To My Friend With An Extra Chromosome,

You have changed me in a way that no one could ever imagine. You have taught me how to fight through pain, you have taught me to look at situations differently, and how to see the good in everything. You have taught me that it is okay to have bad days and to not let those bad days define you. You have taught me that you won't let your extra chromosome stop you or anyone around you from having a life full of laughter.

By spending time and working with those who have disabilities, I have learned more about life than any classroom could ever teach me. Working with someone who has a disability, I won't lie, can be challenging. I've had my fair share of days when I come home upset and crying because something did not go the way I had planned. I used to feel so ashamed and get so incredibly down on myself for getting so upset with you. I would endlessly replay the day over and over again in my head and think how terrible a person I was for feeling negatively towards you.

One day, however, I came to realize that it's okay to get upset in some situations. It's normal. I was getting upset over the right reasons, the reasons being that I didn't understand why you were upset, and I didn't understand what you were trying to say to me. That's what would frustrate and upset me; I wanted to do everything in my power to make you happy, and the fact was that on some days, no matter what I did, I just couldn't. Through this I learned that it's okay that I don't understand everything; I am not supposed to. Through our time together, I learned to be more open-minded and to look at situations in a way I never would have before.

You have taught me that what it's like to feel every emotion possible, all at the same time (which is incredibly weird). You have taught me to find joy, even when I felt my world was ending. You stood by my side through a really tough time and you didn't even know it. I couldn't be more thankful that I was blessed enough to find joy in someone like you. There are no words to describe the gratitude I know I owe you for teaching me endlessly and for adding to my life.

Thank you for teaching me how, and what it means, to feel passionate about something. Thank you for teaching me that it is okay to not always understand. Thank you for making me see the joy in absolutely everything. I am so proud of the person you are and can't wait to see what the future holds for you. There is no one else I would rather embarrass and laugh with endlessly in public, sing Disney duets with, or just be goofy with. You are the best partner in crime I could ever ask for.

All my love,

Joe Jonas's Biggest Fan