Big Brother Owen

Callie is a very lucky little girl for many reasons.  One of those reasons is she has an amazing big brother.  Callie and Owen are exactly 3 1/2 years apart in age.  Owen has always been a mama's boy, so when Callie was born I did not know what to expect.  Since he was used to getting 100% of my attention for so long, I figured there would be some acting out and jealousy shown towards his little sister.  Perhaps he would request that we return her to the hospital.  But no, not Owen.  He has been a proud, loving big brother from day 1 and to this day has never acted out towards Callie or shown jealousy over the attention she gets.  This would be impressive with a typical sibling, but factor in the attention Callie gets due to her special needs and it is just amazing.  Day in and day out Owen patiently tags along to countless therapies and doctor's appointments.  He also has to deal with me being on the phone adding/canceling/rescheduling appointments, researching/challenging/paying medical bills with providers and the insurance company, spending countless hours working on getting Callie to eat, and crying/stressing when I get down or it all feels like too much to handle.  Despite all of this, he continues to show nothing but love towards Callie (and me).  And Callie in turn adores him, as she should.  He is one special little boy.  A little boy who is quickly growing up... Today is his 5th birthday.

So happy birthday, big brother!  We love you so, so much and you make us so proud!  I hope Callie realizes one day just how lucky she is to have you.