All Our Girls Are Special …

 

Father's Day is tomorrow! We asked Rett Dads to be our guest bloggers for this past week. Just because these girls have Rett Syndrome does not mean they are not still "Daddy's Little Girl" .... times one million! To all the Rett Dads - thank you for your special role in raising these very special girls.  

 

READ THESE PAST DADDY POSTS:

Pete Curry, Maisy's dad: "No Laughter? No fun? No thank you."

Bill Hileman, Brynn's dad: "Be Happy No Matter How Large the Obstacle"
Sean Schenk, Kristyn's dad: "I just have to love Kristyn with all my heart."
Bill Farnum, Ella's dad: So Weak So Strong  
David Luntz, Maryjane's dad: "My Little Country Girl"

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Blog #6: Roger Brooks, Juliana's dad

 

It’s hard to believe that just three years ago, we received the most devastating news of our lives, our beautiful Juliana was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. In the three years since Juliana’s diagnosis, our family has learned a lot about Rett and we continue to learn more every day. We’ve often said the most frustrating thing about Rett is it is so darn inconsistent. Throughout all of this though, what I’ve learned, Rett or no Rett, all of our girls are special.

Kristy and I are fortunate to have been blessed with two beautiful girls- Juliana and Olivia. They fill our lives with laughter, fun, excitement, and of course tears and frustration at times. They light up my life and when we get to spend quality time together being silly, reading books, or just sitting watching a movie, I’m reminded of how special my girls are.

Living with Rett Syndrome by no means is an easy task. In fact, I’m not ashamed to say it’s brought me to my knees on several occasions. It’s difficult to watch Juliana struggle throughout her day to do the simplest of things.. In the same breath, I watch Olivia cope and deal with watching her big sister struggle and the patience she must display when things don’t quite go the way they should. They are both incredible little girls that are mature beyond their years. But if we look at all of our girls as special, Rett is just a wrinkle in the day, that’s all it is. Don’t get me wrong, some days; it’s a wrinkle that becomes a tidal wave, no doubt, but a wrinkle none the less. It’s all in how you look at it.

This father’s day, I’m just thankful; thankful for my special girls that fill my heart with so much love. I’m so proud of the beautiful young ladies they’re becoming. I’m proud that they have one of the best mom’s in the world, teaching them every day what it means to be strong, graceful, hardworking, and respectful, with or without disability. Proud that we’ve surrounded them with the same strong role models that love them more than they will ever know. I’m just darn proud and thankful of the life that we’ve been given; trying every day to appreciate all the ups and downs.

God has trusted me to care for these two wonderful little girls that I just know in my heart have purpose and meaning. I know they will do incredible things with their lives, and you know what, they already have in many, many ways. Kristy jokes often and has even blogged that Juliana and Olivia were “never more devoted sisters.” They are everything that a father would want their children to be; loving, compassionate, humble, graceful, and strong. They are my girls, my daughters, and they will always be special to me, Rett or no Rett.

-Roger Brooks