Happy birthday Ricky!
For those who don't know, Ricky is my younger brother who has Down's Syndrome. Rick just turned 40!!! Wow! Although I know we are all getting older, for some reason Rick should always be that cute little boy with that impish grin.
I remember when Rick first came from the hospital. I think he was about three weeks old. At seven years of age, I didn't have a great understanding of why he was so special. My mom expained to me, at the time, that he was special because he had two fingers that were webbed together, and he was cross-eyed. I would bring my friends home and show them my "special" brother and his webbed fingers.
As we got older, I began to realize just how special he was ... not because of his disability, but because of how loving and happy he was.
He has had a huge impact on me and the person I became, and I know that each of my brothers and sisters feel the same.
Yesterday I went and picked Ricky up (he now resides in a group home) and I brought him home to my house for the night. He soaked up all the attention that he got from me. It was almost like we were small again and just hanging out and playing together. He spent the night and then at lunch time today I drove him back.
I really relish time like this that I can spend with him ... especially the quite moments like last night when it was just the two of us sitting on the couch watching TV. I know he relishes these moments too as he would reach over and hug me every so often.
Happy birthday Buddy! You look good for 40!
Happy birthday Rick.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to your brother on his birthday Barbara! I'm sure that spending some time with you was an awesome birthday gift! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a special bond the two of you must share! What a blessing your time together is... happy birthday to Ricky! May there be many, many more special birthday celebrations for him. :)
ReplyDelete40?!?!?! happy birthday uncle rick :)
ReplyDeleteRicky can't be 40! He was only 10 when I first met him --- 30 years ago! AYE! We're all getting older.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe our special little brother is 40! I agree, we can grow old but Rick is Rick!
ReplyDeleteWe have all been blessed to have him in our lives.
Barb, we are both blessed to have special brother's in our life. Wishing Ricky a wonderful birthday! It is so nice to hear that you enjoyed spending some time with your brother. I know that it means the world to us but even more to them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara for such a wonderful tribute to Ricky. The two of you have a special relationship and bond that is truly special. He was God's gift to our family! I know that because of him I am where I am today.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Ricky! I love you!