#29DaysofAwareness February 13th

Some of the posts I am asking others to write and share here on the blog, come from siblings or parents of kids with Down Syndrome near and far that I have come into contact with.

Some of these people I have met thru cyberspace, social media and by following hashtags.

Others I have met through the time volunteering in various organizations here in Manila.

Today’s guest post is from someone very special not only to me but to Gelli. Thank you Gia for writing this post, and for shooting the photos to go along with it. I know Gelli will love reading this when she is older. You are a blessing to both of us.

I know that if you follow my mom’s blog that you are aware that my younger sister is a little extra special. Almost 4 and a half years ago God gave a us gift, and we named her Gelli. Since then our little munchkin has grown so much, and that is a wonderful thing. We are so lucky to have been blessed to teach her and help her grow, to watch her development, as she started to learn to walk and to talk.

I have many wishes for our little munchkin, but since she is only four now i will share with you four lists of four things for her.

FOUR THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU:

I love your laugh. I love the sound and the way you smile, and when you’re laughing, there is no better sound.

I love how you love to be around me, how you follow me around when I get home from school and how you just like to sit with me sometimes.

I love how you say penguin. It is the cutest thing ever, you are my little “kwenguin” 

I love how copy me, whether it’s how you want me to paint your nails after i’m finished with mine or how you want to cook with me too. It reminds me to always set a good example for you.

FOUR WISHES:

My first wish for you Gelli is that you are able to grow and achieve all the goals that you set for yourself, that you are able to do whatever you want. Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something, because you, Gellibean, are capable of all things.

My second wish is that you live your life full of love and happiness and that you surround yourself with people that love and make you feel good. Because little one, you never fail to make me happy so, please know that you deserve nothing but happiness. Do not ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

My third wish is that you learn and gather as much wisdom as you can, because knowledge is power and you my little munchkin are very powerful.

My fourth and final wish is that you face the world without fear, I want you to know that me and your brothers will always be here for you if you need anything, I want you to live life to the fullest and never be afraid of anything because Gelli we love you and we will always be here for you.

FOUR THINGS YOU’VE TAUGHT ME:

You have taught me to smile more, to enjoy the simple things. You are always smiling, and oh how it brightens up the room.

You taught me the value of trust, your blind trust me in me as your ate reminds me of my responsibility to you, and I want you to know that I will always be there to catch you when you fall.

You taught me to celebrate the little victories, learning to say your last name and saying it the same way i did, and catching a ball for the first time- these were steps in your development that caused all of us to celebrate.

You taught me that we can have fun just being together. Hearing your laugh when we play tag or blow bubbles is my favorite part of hanging with you, and it shows me that it doesn’t take much to have fun with you. It just takes me to be fully present.

FOUR THINGS I LOVE DOING WITH YOU:

I love to go to the park with you, I love to see how happy it makes you to be on the swings

I love sleep next to you even though you beat me up. hugging you while you’re asleep is nice but then sometimes I get your foot in my face. HAHAHA.

I love to braid your hair while we watch tv, mom says it is like you’re my life-size doll… this is somewhat true. HAHAHA

I love to just be around you and spend time with you, being around you just makes me happy.

And Gia, THANK YOU for making ME happy. Thank you for being the kind and caring Ate that I knew you would be when you held Miguel in your arms for the very first time.

Thank you for writing this post for me.

I do not worry about Gelli when I know you are around.

You are a blessing to both of us.