In many respects Caleb is a typical 14-year-old. He loves The Three Stooges (guy thing!) and his dog. He’ll scarf down pizza, but won’t touch carrots. He plays baseball and is studying junior high Spanish (and acing the class, I might add!). “Parents!”—accompanied by an exasperated eye-roll—is a part of his daily vocabulary. And he also confesses to having a crush on many girls. What a stud muffin!
But, unlike your average 14-year-old, Caleb also has Down syndrome.
I’m not sure when he morphed from a chubby bundle which fit neatly onto my lap into a pubescent teen; it must have happened when I wasn’t looking. (Does this mean I’m getting old?) Nonetheless, he is THE coolest kid and my favorite American-born nephew. (My other nephews hail from Russia, China and South Korea so, rest assured, I’m not giving him (too much) preferential treatment.) Sure he can be Mr. Grumpy Pants (can’t we all?), but Caleb is a joy to be around and never ceases to amaze me. He makes me laugh, he makes me think, and he constantly reminds me that the simple things in life are the best and most rewarding. I can’t imagine my world without him.
When presented with the query of, “Hey Caleb! Do you know you have Down syndrome?” he’ll reply, “Yeah.”
“Do you care?”
“No.”
Then why should we? I wonder what would happen if we all embraced differences and accepted everyone for who they are instead of discounting them because they aren't something we want them be?
I’ll get off my soapbox now. This one’s all about Caleb, after all.
Happy birthday, buddy! Thanks for letting me celebrate with you today. You rock!
Love you!
Aunt Bootsie
4 comments:
What a beautiful, beautiful tribute to Caleb. I have never met him in person, but consider myself lucky enough to call Karen my friend. This brought tears to my eyes. Caleb is very blessed to have such a wonderful family.
We love you Caleb! Happy birthday buddy.
Aunt Deni
I love you Lynn.
Caleb's outlook on life can teach us all a thing or two. What a great young man!
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