The Road Taken

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I've been meaning to start this blog for months.
Life just seems to have a way of diverting my attention.
But today is our daughter's 2nd birthday, and it seems appropriate that I finally begin on this day.

I think all and all Belle had a pretty good day.
I stayed home from work and spent time with her and her older brother. My wife made her favorite meal for dinner, spaghetti. Funny how kids with the least dexterity enjoy the most difficult foods to eat.
Once the spaghetti was sufficiently spread over every part of her face and hair it was time for dessert, angel food cake with whipped cream frosting. The purple frosting made a nice contrast with the marinara sauce.
Then it was upstairs to the bath. We had planned on opening presents, but the days end had arrived and the "real" party had already been scheduled for next weekend.
I told my wife "Belle won't mind".
Not surprising as she is only two.
But that got me to thinking.
Will she ever mind?
Belle has Down Syndrome, and though apart from her small stature, inability to speak and limited mobility, to this point she doesn't appear too different from "normal" kids.
However, those words I spoke to my wife, "Belle won't mind" can have a sinister connotation if one allows oneself to dwell on it.
How old will she be before she is aware of her own birthday?
When will she understand the meaning of Happy Birthday?
I know, those in the "community" will say that she will "learn at her own pace".
I know this is true.
I can only hope that that truth will some day include her knowing how much she is loved.

Happy Birthday Belle.
Daddy wishes you all the happiness this world has to offer.