He certainly deserves it.
As I reflect on this year it's hard to really believe everything my little boy has been through.
Looking at that 8 month old picture breaks my heart. In a way, it's harder now to see those pictures. When we were living through it, you don't realize how different your child looks because you are with them everyday. But I do remember how awful the medicine made him feel. And how if he gave me one smile in a day...it was a good day.
When we were home from the hospital in early May the boys and I were driving and the song "I Stand By You" by Rachel Platten came on the radio. First I thought of Brad, and then I thought of Anthony, and I just cried.
"....... And love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine so yours can open too
Cause I'm gonna stand by you
Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through
Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you
Love, you're not alone,
cause I'm gonna stand by you..."
A few weeks later Anthony gave me a special gift for my birthday. It was the Rachel Platten CD.
Track 6 spoke to me even more......"Better Place"
Even through a tough year, I can't believe in some ways how much happier I am. When you have a medically fragile child your whole perspective on life changes.
You...open your eyes again..
You don't sweat the small stuff.
You look for the good in everyone.
You recognize people's differences, and celebrate them.
You're patient
You're hopeful....
You're....happy.
Anthony, my world is a better place .... because of you.
"I'll tell the world, I'll sing a song
It's a better place since you came along
Since you came along
Your touch is sunlight through the trees
Your kisses are the ocean breeze
Everything's alright when you're with me
It's a better place since you came along
Since you came along
Your touch is sunlight through the trees
Your kisses are the ocean breeze
Everything's alright when you're with me
And I hold my favorite thing
I hold the love that you bring
But it feels like I've opened my eyes again
And the colors are golden and bright again
There's a song in my heart, I feel like I belong
It's a better place since you came along
It's a better place since you came along
I see the whole world in your eyesI hold the love that you bring
But it feels like I've opened my eyes again
And the colors are golden and bright again
There's a song in my heart, I feel like I belong
It's a better place since you came along
It's a better place since you came along
It's like I've known you all my life...."
Happy birthday sweet boy! I can't wait to spend a special day with you.
