My oldest brother asked me to act as spokesperson in behalf of my brother who cannot speak to honor my parents' upcoming anniversary. I went to bed one night, but could not go to sleep because this was running through my mind, so I got up, wrote it down and went to sleep not too much longer afterward. I shared the results with family and friends. They really enjoyed it. I was asked to write it in first person so it sounds like it is coming from him.
This is a copy of what I wrote:
From the moment I was born, there were difficulties that caused Mom and Dad to worry, but they never knew how much care I was going to need until a few months later when I failed to develop normally like the other babies my age and especially when I had my first seizures. My care was always a great concern of theirs, but as they took care of me and had my brothers and sisters help take care of me, I grew up a happy child. I loved to laugh and was very noisy as a boy. Mom used to take me in her arms and sing to me at night, especially when I was sick or hurt. I made Dad proud when the family went on the Timpanogos Cave hike and I walked on it—with his assistance—half-way up. My school was teaching me how to walk and I know it made them both proud when I took more than one step on my own—I even walked across the room a few times on my own. Grandma told my parents once that she saw me in a dream running, playing, and laughing as a normal child. That hasn’t happened yet, but one day I hope as much as my family for that day when I can do that. I know that taking care of me isn’t always easy to do, so I am grateful for your love and support. There are times I wish I could talk so that I could tell you how much you mean to me, but I hope in every time you fed me, supported me, touched me, or talked to me, you can feel at least a little of my love and appreciation in return. Thanks for being such good parents to me.
FYI Timpanogos Cave is only about a mile or a mile 1/2 long, but it is a continuous uphill trail (no or little flat areas) so for a person unable to walk on his own, that is quite impressive.
It was an honor to do this...and a little humbling that I was entrusted with this opportunity to be a mouth for someone who could not speak. I certainly hope it will suffice.
