Happy 16th Birthday, Alex!

My Sweet boy-

How is it even possible that you are 16! I remember so clearly the day you were born and how lucky I felt to be your mom. I remember the cuddles and the smiles and the hours holding you, singing to you and thanking God for making me your mom. Your life has certainly not been what I thought it would be. Oh how I wish it was different for you and yet in some ways I don't. I think of all the amazing memories we have made over the past 16 years. I got to be your only teacher, to watch the excitement and wonder as you learned new skills.  I have been with you almost every hour of your life. We have formed an incredible bond that is born of shared experiences and struggles. We have always been a team, you and I. We have talked, we have yelled, we have cried and oh so often we have laughed. We are so much more than mother and son, we have become friends and trust each other implicitly. I have watched you persevere through impossible circumstances. I have watched your strength and your courage and your joy. I have watched you make an impact on all of those around you. And so my precious Bug, I still feel so incredibly lucky I get to be your mom. Thank you for making my dreams come true 16 years ago and for making me a better person every day. I love you more than you will ever know.

Mom