Dear Joey, my sweet nephew,
You are such a joy...a true gift from God! You are one of the happiest babies I have known. You are always smiling and cooing and laughing. You love to watch your sisters and cousins running all around you and you squeal with joy when one of them stops to give you a kiss or a tickle. You are very attentive.
You are growing wonderfully and I am sure the last two pounds settled right in each of those cheeks. For all you have been through it is miraculous to see you thriving like you have. I always say that fat babies are happy babies and you definitely fit the bill on both accounts! It was the greatest honor of my entire life to help provide food for your momma to feed you. I cried right along with your mom when she realized that resuming nursing was no longer an option. You are special and keep life interesting, so why should feeding you be any different?
What most amazes me about you is how you communicate through your eyes. You had several weeks where you couldn't make a sound. We could tell what you wanted just from the look in your eyes. Your eyes sparkle when you're happy, plead when you're sad, and observe so closely when you are in the mood to just sit back and watch. You don't miss a minute of the action in your house!
In your four months of life you have managed to bring out the best in everyone. You have taught your sisters gentleness and compassion. You have allowed the Church to demonstrate its selfless giving to a family in need. Your life has solidified the bond of family that I always knew was there but never fully realized how deep it ran. Your life has brought people closer to God through the constant prayers for your well-being...I can't think of a greater gift you have given than that. I can't wait to see what other amazing things God has in mind for your life!
Tomorrow you have quite a busy day ahead of you. You will undergo your final open heart surgery. You will then be back to "normal"...I won't tell you how long I have been trying to be normal and you manage to get there in four months! You take your surgeries and procedures in your own special way and I am sure this will be no different. Know that you have countless people praying for you every step of the way.
I love you more than words can possibly say. I will be praying for you, your parents and sisters, the hospital staff and all involved in your care.
Aunt Angela
