I watch you work twice as hard as everyone else to have a normal life. I watch the hurt in your eyes when you can't do something with me because you are physically unable. I watch you slap a smile on your face each time your own body won't do what you want it to. I watch you thrive in your own way and teach me how to love life. So, this is for you. Thank you for all of the moments you didn't let me see how broken you felt. Thank you for getting out in the world and trying to be "normal" for me. I thank God, that your love for me is not confined by your physical limitations - even if you aren't able to do everything I wish that you could, your love never fails me.

You inspired me to help people just like you. To make the world a place where disabled people can thrive. You opened my eyes to the challenges that come with a disability. For that, I am forever grateful.

I appreciate you and adore you for teaching me to recognize disability. You always taught me to look at everyone the same, even if they were different. You made sure that I understood that physical disability does not mean that the brain is limited, but it is the most powerful tool to overcome adversity. You aren't embarrassed by your disability or uncomfortable making jokes so others feel more comfortable about it. I admire the way you still put everyone else's needs above yours, just because you can. Your heart is beautiful and bright; always sharing the love with others.

I know, though, that underneath all of that beautiful brightness is sadness, frustration, and maybe even some bitterness. You become sad when you can't go into a building due to architectural barriers, you become frustrated when you drop something and can't pick it up or when you can't do something for yourself. I know you are probably a little bit bitter that you are limited in areas of life, even if you will never admit it to anyone. But, through it all, you still kick ass at parenting (sorry for that language, Mom).

Being a parent isn't easy, and being a parent with a disability is even harder. Despite that fact, you make it work. You never let me feel like I am shorted, or that I am missing out when it comes to moms. You make me feel like I have the best mom around and everyone else should be jealous. I brag about you often to my friends, by the way.

Thank you for embracing your disability while managing to be the best parent, grandparent, aunt, coworker, and wife you can be. So, let me tell you this: YOU ROCK, YOU'RE MY HERO, and YOU AMAZE ME DAILY.

Love,

Your Proud Daughter