The first time, I saw you, I was disgusted.
I gave you the same label in my mind that I'm sure the whole world gives you: "retard", "imbecle", "moron:, and "brainless".

But then I got the offer: I stand by and babysit your siblings,
while the nurse cares for you,
and your parents go out for a nice evening.
"Yeah," I thought. "They could use a break from you.

So I came, played with your little sister and brother, not really paying attention to you. The nurse fed you that milky stuff through that tube in your stomach.
I think about how at least you won't have to taste that junk.

Then, your siblings are asleep in front of a movie and your nurse asks me if I can help put you to bed. I agree, I don't have anything else to do.
So there I am one one side of you, holding you under one arm while the nurse hold the other.
One.. two.. three! You're up on the bed. I take off your shoes and your ankle braces, then help get you settled in.

Then, I heard something.

You were laughing- LAUGHING!
I looked at your face. Even as deformed as it is, then, it was shining like a star as you howled with laughter.


And then, I realized something.

Even though you're not the perfect, smart child that the world wants to see, you have a beautiful mind. You made me understand how even a tragedy, like your disease at birth, can turn into something wonderful.

Thanks, Delainey, and keep smiling, kiddo.