amommysjoy: 18 months and counting...

My little prince makes 18 months today!! Half way to 2 years- whoo hoo!! I can't believe it- it doesn't seem like it's been a day over 5 years!! Ha... No really, I could say that it's flown by- but I would be LYING. But it doesn't mean that I haven't made the best of and cherished every single moment for the last 18 months. It's been completely devastating watching my only son suffer the way he does every day... but there has also been so much good that's come out of this. And I know that if Tripp could understand how many lives he's touched in the short 18 months that he's been here- he would be so proud. Because I know how proud I am.

Dear Tripp,

You are the joy of my life. You are the reason I wake up each morning. And each night, when you go to sleep- you lay your head right next to mine. Right now times are tough for you. You haven't been feeling well at all. Your eyes and your mouth are hurting you really bad. Each morning when you wake up, Mommy changes your cute little booty and cleans you all up and then we rock-rock until your medicine kicks in. Then most of the time, with your medicine, you will stand up and play with your toys. Right now, when you're standing up... we put all of your toys in front of you, and you like to throw each one off onto the floor, one at a time. It's so cute because you do it with such an attitude and you love making us pick them up so you can throw them again.

You are also learning sign language (slowly- but that's Mommy's fault not yours). You can say more, ball, mommy, baby, please, thank-you, excuse me, hat, shirt, and shoes. You say yes and no by shaking your head. And when you say "no," you mean "NO." And you're especially rotten because you only like to do these things when Mommy says, "Don't you do that:)" But that's Mommy's problem- she's created a monster (but a really cute monster). You haven't spoken a word yet, but we know exactly what you are saying. And when someone speaks to you, you understand exactly what they are saying. You are so smart and Mommy is SO proud.

Now that it's cooler, you enjoy going outside. Though you can't stay out long because it hurts your eyes... you like to ride your car or your wagon. And you also like to watch the cars go by on the road. You LOVE music. And you especially like when we sing to you. Right now, when we sing the "ABCs," you pat your chest to the rhythm and pause when we pause. It's so cute. You also love books. Though, you are kind of like your Mommy, because you only like to look at pictures and turn the pages really fast. You are the cutest dancer in the whole entire world. You either become really stiff and nod your head, or you shake that little booty so fast. And your little feet are ALWAYS wiggling.

Remember how Mommy told you that God has really big plans for you. Well we still don't know what they are, but we know that you are one REALLY special little boy. I'm not sure what Mommy did to deserve you, but every night I thank God that He sent you to me. I can't imagine my life without you. And I surely don't remember what my life was like before you were in it. But I want you to know that one day you will get to live with Jesus in heaven. It could be tomorrow, it could be in 5 years, or it could be in 20 years... we don't know. But I don't want you to be scared- because Mommy will be with you every single day for the rest of your life.

You have already had to go through some things that most people will never have to go through in their whole lifetime. This is why you are so special. And like I said, I don't know WHY you have to go through these things- and trust me- I KNOW that it's not fair. But please believe Mommy when she tells you that ONE DAY- we will all know why you had to have EB. And we will all know why you had to suffer every day of your life. And every single person who meets you, or follows your story, will be a better person because of YOU. That's some big shoes you're having to wear, my son... but I don't know anyone else in this world who is stronger than you. When I look at you or hold you- you literally make my heart melt. I wouldn't trade you for any other healthy kid in the whole wide world. I wish I could tell or show you how much I REALLY love you... but it's SO much that you will never ever know that. And if I could take every single sore from you, or take all of your pain so that you never had to hurt again- I would in a heartbeat. I wish it was Mommy instead of you.

Happy 18 months, you little monkey.

You're still proving those doctors wrong.

Let's keep proving:)

Love,

Mommy

Thank you all for sharing these precious 18 months with us. Tripp has made it this far because you all give me the love and support that I need to do the things that I have to do for him each day. I hope you will continue to follow Tripp for many years to come and I hope we can all witness a true miracle for him together.

I hope that if Tripp has taught us just one thing- it's to never take a single day or a single thing for granted: health, happiness, or life. And please know that I truely believe that God has given Tripp to me to show me the REAL meaning of life- loving one another. Really, take a step back and look at your life- what's REALLY important?? Is it yourself? Money? Material things? Do you get angry over all the small things? Do you push all the important things in life aside for the things that won't really matter in the end? Think about it. We were all put on this Earth for one thing- to get to heaven. This is just a short journey to your eternal life ahead. This is not our home. So make sure you start thinking about those important things. We have everything we could ask for and everything we need. Do something nice for someone today- even if it's something little. Someone who doesn't have everything they need. A family that is struggling through the holidays, or someone who doesn't even have a family. Go out of your way:) Have a great day! Love you all!