Dear Chip,
I've been at college for a year and a half now, but being away from you still isn't easy.
People have told me how getting away from home will ultimately help me grow, but moving away hasn't made me into the person I am today... you have.
You've taught me more in your lifetime than school ever could. You've taught me the importance of friendship, love, and patience... nothing school ever could teach me. You've also taught me the importance of letting things up to God, letting God handle everything we have no control of. That was probably the most important thing I've learned from you.
You are my gift from God. When people ask me what I'm grateful for, I don't even hesitate. CHIP. CHIP. CHIP.
You're my best friend and my Friday night pizza date at Chuck-E-Cheese.
Every day I just want to talk to you about how your day is going or what kind of pizza you'll have for dinner.
I want to talk to you when your frustrated, or hug you when you cry.
I know life may seem frustrating at times and it may feel like you don't have a handle on anything, but you are the strongest person I know. If anyone can do it, you can.
I'm sorry that you have to feel excluded, and you can't live your life like it seems that everyone else can, but you should know that you have an incredible amount of people who love and support everything you do. My friends never stop talking about how cute and funny you are!
You bring light to my cloudy days and hope where there is none.
I can get through a tough week knowing your there at home for me when I need to hear your goofy laugh.
YOU ARE SUCH A GOOFBALL.
No one has ever made me laugh like you can. You seriously know how to lighten the mood, and put a smile on my face. I am always grateful for that.
I'm grateful you give me another reason to come home, and I'm grateful to have an amazing best friend like you.
I love seeing your face when I walk through the door and you aren't expecting me to be home. I love seeing genuine surprise and happiness on your face. You know, like the look that you get when you open a box of pepperoni pizza.
Chip, I would give the world to you if I could. I can't stand that you have to go through life feeling out of control. I can't stand that you feel alone.
I am ALWAYS here for you. I'm a call away. I'm a text away.
I found this quote from a woman named Eileen Miller. It says:
"Autism: Where the 'randomness of life' collides and clashes with an individual's need for sameness."
Chip, don't ever feel the need to blend in. It's what different about you that makes you so special.
I love you more and more everyday, Chip. Thank you for being you.
Love,
Your big sister