Happy Birthday, Daniel!

Nine years ago today, it was snowing.  I remember looking out the window of my hospital room, holding my new baby in my arms, and not really caring all that much that it was snowing in June. After all, I had my little guy and at that moment - and even today - that is all that mattered.

Now he is nine.  He doesn't like to snuggle all that much anymore and he won't kiss me goodbye (or even acknowledge me, for that matter) when I drop him off in the morning.  Still, every once in awhile he grasps my hand or comes and sits beside me on the couch, quietly.  

Daniel has once again decided to raise money and awareness for a charity in lieu of gifts.   His charity of choice this year is the Schizophrenia Society of Canada.  Schizophrenia is a mental illness which, even in this day and age, is largely misunderstood.  It often strikes people in their teens and early adult years.  It's hard to acknowledge and therefore, hard to treat, and there is no cure.  That said, over the last few years there have been great strides in research.  Someday, there may even be a cure.

Way to go, Daniel.  I'm so proud of you.