Well pipsqueak it is that time of the year again. Yup, one more journey around the sun which means presents, a yummy dinner, an even yummier birthday cake and yes, another one of these letters from me.
I never imagined that I’d be writing letters to you each year on your birthday and this year, well, I thought I’d pass. I started writing them years ago when I was doing that crazy commute between Virginia and Massachusetts. Since I was working down here and you guys were up there I was feeling really sad about missing your birthday. I know it did not really matter to you, but Mom and I have always tried to treat you as someone without disabilities to the greatest extent possible. So that meant we took you along with your brothers to all of Mom’s beloved craft fairs, the beach during the summer, restaurants, sports games, school concerts and more things that I can’t even remember now. Even if you did not make a big deal out of it, your birthday is just as important as the other members of the Katz gang and I was crushed to have to miss it.
We had a minivan because we had three little kids, not two “regular” kids and one “handicapped” kid. Nope, Mom and I are the proud parents of three children, period, end of story. Each of you has some amazing qualities that make you unique and you each have a few things that are real pains but we love each of you. We had to have some extra room for your wheelchair and it was your show that was always on the TV screen in the back which did not necessarily endear you to your brothers at times. But hey, that’s just the way it had to be. They got over it, I promise!
Missing you so much on your birthday years ago prompted me to write you that first letter. I finished writing it about 2 or 3 in the morning and then I posted it on Facebook. By the time I woke up I had more telephone messages and texts than I could count and that letter had hundreds of people posting comments wishing you a happy birthday. Heck, that first letter wound up on the front page of my beloved Boston Herald. You don’t know this but millions of people have actually shared that letter and your story over the years. In fact, you don’t really know anything at all about your silly dad’s letters, do you? I think that’s part of why I was so hesitant to write this letter this year.
See, you are turning 22 today and lots of things are about to change. Because of your age, you’re wrapping up your time in school. You’ve always loved the ride on the bus to school. Seeing pals like your fellow students, but also Dave your bus driver and Alfred your bus attendant. Those guys are the best and they help to make your day bright and happy with their always cheery voices and glowing smiles. Pretty soon, you won’t be getting on that school bus. You don’t understand but perhaps some part of you will realize that you’re not heading off to see Ms. Mitchell and the crew at Patrick Henry High School. For me, I’ll miss chatting with the best school bus driver and bus attendant, but what I’ll really miss are your fellow students saying “Hello Julia’s Dad!”
For most folks, graduating from high school is the beginning of the most meaningful part of their lives. Some go on to college, some get jobs, some go to technical schools and some young heroes join the military. You won’t be doing any of those things. In fact, the fear that Mom and I have is that the most meaningful part of your life will actually be coming to a close as you leave school. You’ve been going to some sort of a school program for most of your life. It’s given you the chance to see different faces each day, travel somewhere other than our home and participate in activities like “All Star Basketball” all of which you seem to enjoy. Soon that all ends. You’ll be seeing the same faces for the most part. Mom and I may be cute and loveable but we know we don’t hold candles to those giant smiles that Coach Red and Lt. Head always have for you.
So what is next Julia Katz? Will Mom ...
