Dear Ryley

Here we are.
Another birthday milestone.
It's truly hard to believe that we have made it this far sometimes. I can remember when you turned 3 and we were about to have some very serious operations (Posteritor Fossa Decompression and removal of cysts from you spine). You were so small and not very robust and that was one of the most horrific times of our lives. To this day, I will never forget the look of sheer panic and horror in your eyes as you pleaded with me to take the pain away. I still tear up now just thinking about it. You were supposed to be in ICU on painkillers. Instead you were in the ward writhing in pain when you should have been lying still. Lucky I am one of those persistant mothers who refuses to let people not listen to her.

You are so special to us Ryley. It is because of you that we have this life. It is a wonderful life, despite the hardships. But we get to see life for what it really is. Filled with suffering at times, but nothing can beat that overwhelming beauty and hope that we see in each brand new day.
We don't take a thing for granted. Life is for living. We will always try and give you (and Braeden) the opportunity to experience as much of this rich tapestry of life as we can.

We are very proud of how far you have come. We know that it gets frustrating for you at times, and that you want to tell us what is on your mind. We will always try and hear you no matter how you tell us.
You are one tough little bugger! Stubborn too. No idea where that comes from though..!
We love you so much.

This is the song that I used to sing to you when you were a newborn. This will always be your song from your Dad and me:



The words:

How do I love you, well, let me see

I love you like a lyric loves a melody
Baby, completely wrapped up in you
How do I need you, well, can't you tell
I need you like a penny needs a wishing well
Baby, completely wrapped up in you
Every now and then
When the world that we're living in's crazy
You gladly hold me and carry me through
No one in the world's ever done what you do for me
And I'd be sad and lonely if there were no you
How do I love you, well, count the ways
There ain't no number high enough
To end this phrase
Baby, completely wrapped up in you

Baa baa, ba ba, ba ba, baa baa baa
Ba ba ba, baa ba
Baa baa, ba ba, ba ba, baa baa baa
Ba ba ba, baa ba

Every now and then
When the world that we're living in's crazy
You gladly hold me, and carry me through
No one in the world's ever done what you do for me
And I'd be sad and lonely if there were no you

How do I love you, well, don't you know
I love you 'bout as deep as any love can grow
Baby, completely wrapped up in you
Baby, completely wrapped up in you

How do I love you, well, let me see
I love you like a lyric loves a melody
Baby, completely wrapped up in you