An open letter to my 'special' little guy: Don't let anyone bring you down

I remember when I first saw you, right after I gave birth. The doctor told me that you were healthy, but he said that you were different; he said that you were 'special.'

By special, he meant that you were born with Down syndrome. However, as you grew older, I realized that you weren't special simply because you had Down syndrome, but you were special because you are such a sweet, loving, and strong-willed son.

The world can be a cruel place

Here in the Philippines, people with Down syndrome are almost always looked down upon. I've seen it firsthand whenever we go to malls or visit different museums. People always looked at you differently, like somehow they pity you, or there's something wrong with you. One woman even approached me and told me that she was sorry that I had you as a child. I felt more sorry for her, since she judged you merely on the way you looked without even getting to know you.

The world can be a cruel place, especially for people who are different. Most people tend to only look at what's on the outside, and not what's on the inside. I'm sure that if they only knew how sweet, loving, and kind you are, and how happy I am to have you as my son.

I know that you're brave, resilient, and strong. Don't let anyone bring you down because of your condition; instead, make them feel that there's nothing 'wrong' with you. You're just a bit different from everyone else.

I wouldn't want it any other way

I feel immensely blessed to have you in my life. Sure, being a parent to a child with Down syndrome is not the easiest thing in the world, but I know that once I see the smile on your face, and I see that you're happy and healthy, I know that I'm doing something right.

I'm happy that you're my son, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I want you to be proud of the things that you can do, and don't be disappointed about the things that you can't. Don't feel discouraged if people look down on you, prove them wrong by working hard and show them that you're capable.

You're an amazing human being, and I want you to always know that I love you.

Also read: Mom writes open letter to firstborn: "I miss us"