Today was Emily’s 17th birthday. 

My baby is getting older… And I am so proud of the young lady she’s becoming. 

She is the reason for this blog, she is the reason that I am who I am. 

 
My baby is 17. 

Her Cri du Chat Syndrome diagnosis doesn’t define her. She defines herself!

Over the years, when other kids went to birthday parties and sleep-overs, Emily stayed home with us. 

The thing is, it’s difficult for her to make friends.  She has been invited to less than a handful of birthday parties in 17 years.

This year, a couple of really great things happened. 

First, she got a birthday card from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.    

Who else got that?  

She also got tons of Facebook messages and likes!

I posted on my wall that my baby is 17. My status received 93 likes and 48 comments. I’ve read them all to Emily. 

I posted on the Cri du Chat support group and we got 97 likes and 26 comments. Again, I took time to read them all to Emily. 

Emily’s runner from the “I run 4 Michael” group posted on the group’s Facebook page that it was Emily’s birthday. We got 133 likes and 27 comments. 

If you have a child who is sick or has special needs, you should really look them up on Facebook. Hundreds of runners are looking for buddies to dedicate their training to and build a friendship with. It’s an amazing community. We love our runner Sonia. 

Today, my girl received over 300 likes and 101 comments so far.  She received birthday wishes from all over the world!

My girl today felt like a rock star and has I took time to show her posts of Hello Kitty and Koala wearing birthday hat, I cried. 

It’s amazing how much I have cried in the last 17 years. 

Sad tears, happy tears, upset tears, proud tears. 

Happy Birthday Baby girl!  Thank you for loving me and being my favorite girl. You are awesome. 

And, yes!  You can have a Frozen theme party for your 17th birthday. 

I love you!