Te amo, mamás

Parents, have you ever looked at your child and just thought "wow, that human being is a part of me." Isn't crazy how, even though, they are a part of you, you still have to learn them? You help them build their character, but there are so many factors that go into what kind of person they become. They aren't your clones, but it's such a beautiful thing. Just like when you meet someone new and you get to know them, you do that with your child as well. I've learned Gio is so much stronger than I could ever be. The challenges he's faced and the obstacles he's overcome would put anyone in a pessimistic mind set, but not Gio. He's such a calm, patient, caring person. For the most part, he's easy going and extremely HAPPY. He doesn't let anything truly bother him. If it isn't permanent, he won't give it more attention than it needs. He's not perfect, of course, but he's such an inspiration.

Doctors told us he'd have a speech impediment. At the age of four, he started using a device that would essentially talk for him. He would click on pictures and form 2-3 work phrases (on a good day). A lot of times he would just click one word and we would have to guess what he wanted. Something a lot of parents take for granted, in my opinion, is communication with their children. It's something that goes unnoticed because it's something that just happens. It doesn't happen over night, but gradually kids start talking and you don't have to watch your child to read their emotions. You don't have to learn that when they make a certain face the task you gave them stresses them out, but they continue because they are eager to please. You don't have to learn when your child is excited about something new they discovered, but is frustrated that they can't tell anyone. You don't have to learn to be your child's mind reader as well as interpreter. No. You listen to your child whine, cry, complain, yell in excitement, tell you something new, speak to you. The beauty of having a child with a speech delay (not a permanent speech impediment, doctors) is that you learn your child. You don't just teach them how to be, you learn who they are. I've learned to read my child. We communicate in silence; and, although I'm in love with his voice, it doesn't take from the bond we've had to create to survive with each other. He's learned me, as well. He knows what my facial expressions mean. Gio can read my emotions, as well as anyone else's. He has a charisma that attracts people to him. Anyone who meets him sees how special he is, just for being him, not for his disability.

Gio started first grade this year. He didn't cry. He walked himself to class. He got excited when he saw his friends. This child of mine even came home talking about how he had a new girlfriend. Yes, he told me "Mamá, novia Sofia." He's talking in 2-3 word phrases, reads short stories, and is learning English. This last year has been the biggest year of growth for Gio. To say he's matured feels like an understatement. He's truly transformed. The child he was before and at the beginning of his diagnosis was miserable and always isolated himself from people. Gio now loves making new friends, is generally happy, and expresses himself to the best of his ability. I can now ask him questions and he will respond verbally. Gio will ask for things without prompt, like when he wants to go eat McDonald's before going home. He'll tell you what he did in school or what he wants to do when he gets home. "Spiderman movie en casa, Mamá."

Overall, to see this child's growth and to be a part of it has been amazing. Each day I fall more in love with him. I'm sure other parents can relate to the feeling of just looking at your child and wondering how you got so lucky to have this tiny human come into your life. Parenthood is scary, but it's always worth it. Gio use to sign a lot. I always loved when he would sign "I love you." Now when I tell him I love him he says it back. And when I say "Te amo más Giovahnii," he replies with, "Yo te amo, mamás!"