I can’t tell you how many times I have heard things like:

“Bri, he doesn’t need a big birthday party. He doesn’t care/ know really who is there.”

But I do.

“Bri, he doesn’t need a Halloween costume. He doesn’t care if he goes out.”

But I do.

“Bri, he doesn’t talk. I can’t even understand what he wants!”

But I do.

Let’s just get this out there in the open. My child is currently nonverbal (preverbal?… Whatever word tickles your fancy. I’ll never judge), and that has zero to do with how many thoughts/feelings cross his mind/body on any given day. None.

So Beckett MAY not understand what a birthday party involves, but I will celebrate his birth (and every day in between) until the final minute I’m given on this earth. I’ll get the extravagant cake, the balloons, the silly signs, and I will invite the guests. Because I do.

So Beckett MAY not care what trick-or-treating, unwrapping Christmas presents, or Easter egg hunts are for. But he loves to be outdoors. He loves to play with and rip wrapping paper. He loves little snacks and candies. He is a kid. And whether or not he knows what these things are for, or care, I do.

Never count your child out.
Never place limits on their life or their love.
And don’t presume to know what they are thinking at any given moment.

And when others think the strange looks, or the childish criticisms, or judgements will go unnoticed, because babes like mine don’t notice (or care about) their ignorance… think again.
Because I do.

Be kind. Always.