For Rowenna, On Her Fourth Birthday

By Melissa on June 2, 2014 in Down syndrome, Fluff

I love you, kiddo. To the moon and back, as I like to tell you. And that’s a lot, as your dad likes to teach you.

You are so curious and so clever. This usually means I need to be on my toes to make sure you are safe, but you never fail to amaze me with your ingenious ideas. You have a work-around for everything. You are fiercely determined. You are steadfast and strong.

You love to love. I’ve never had hugs quite like yours, and when you pat my cheek my heart soars. When I watch you with your little sister I am so proud at how much you love her.

You also love to eat. It’s fun to watch you try new food and we are so impressed at what you enjoy eating – pho, curry, spring rolls, grilled vegetables, the list goes on. Like your dad, you love your dips. Anything and everything can be turned into a dip!

You love music and dancing. You smile when you hear the Good Morning song I sing each day. You love to hear grandpa play guitar and sing the Rowenna song. You try to accompany him with various percussion instruments, and I can safely say that this is a dream come true for him. There’s a spot in the family band if you’re interested, sweet girl.

Your favorite place to be is outside. I love to watch you dig in the garden right alongside your dad. You swing and slide and dig and fill and dump and run and shriek with delight. It’s like your whole body vibrates in the sunshine and the fresh air, like you were born to be out there. Maybe it’s the farmer in your blood, or maybe glimpses of a future career working the land or building big things.

Right now you are really into The Croods, and when the credits roll a special song plays. I sing it to you every time.

“Anytime, anywhere, turn around and I’ll be there to shine, shine your way.

Like a star, burning bright, lighting up the darkest night I’ll shine, shine your way.

Now I can see you are the one sent here to show me the way.

All of your tears will dry faster in the sun. Starting today, shine shine shine, we’re on our way.

Shine shine shine, that’s what we say.

Shine shine shine, shine your way.”