The tears start to fill my eyes the minute I begin to write this. Not because I am sad for you, but because you bring me such genuine happiness. This world, and specifically my world, would be dull and boring without you! You bring something out of me that nobody else can. Maybe it is your ear-to-ear smile that you greet me with after a long day. Maybe it's the excitement in your voice when you say my name, or your hug that makes all my harbored negativity disappear.

You may have needs that are special, but you are not special needs.

Your needs do not define who you are. Your diagnosis is what makes you unique! We all have some sort of diagnosis, so don't be ashamed just because yours may look different than mine.

Your needs are special, but that is not what makes you special. You are special because of your laugh that is contagious. You are special because you touch people in a way that nobody else can. You are special because of your will to work hard, to conquer fears, and to succeed. Your carefree way of life accompanied by your stubborn attitude; those make you unique and special to me.

You are special to me, because you fill a part of my heart that would be empty without you.

I am so happy you are on this planet, and that God put you in the same path as me. You give me purpose. Without you, I would have never felt a certain fire in my soul. Working with you is the most rewarding part of my day. And I don't just mean because I get to help you overcome some of your challenges. I guarantee you teach me more than I teach you!

You teach me patience.

You teach me to appreciate the simplicity of life.

You teach me strength.

You teach me acceptance.

You teach me unconditional love.

You teach me creativity and quick thinking.

You teach me push through struggles, and you show me that no challenge is impossible.

You teach me to celebrate the small stuff, and to never give up on the big stuff.

Working with you has changed my life. My experience with you has molded me into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for you.

Thank you for being patient with me, when I can't fully understand what you are asking. Thank you for loving me and laughing me when I mess up, because you and I both know that happens often! You are incredible, and I am blessed to have you as part of my life.

To every single one of you who has special needs - I love you for you, exactly the way you are. Whether you have touched me in my past, are working in my life in the present, or will be part of my future -Thank you.