Embracing Emmett: Bittersweet Birthdays

It’s hard to believe that our sweet boy is 10 years old! Although he has made a lot of progress and we have made many great memories together, Emmett's birthdays are always a little bittersweet.

When Emmett’s brother turned 10, I made a compilation video of him through the years and decided to do the same for Emmett. However, I didn’t realize that the process of choosing a background song would bring up so many emotions. Of course, going through countless videos brought tears to my eyes too, but not in the same way.

There are a lot of songs about children growing up or the love that a parent has for a child, but it was hard finding a song that seemed to fit Emmett. Many of the lyrics are about the things that most children do as they grow, like climbing trees, jumping in puddles, and riding a bike. Emmett can do his own version of these things with help, but not on his own. Other songs have lyrics about how quickly things change, falling in love, and going out into the world. While these things are very common for most people, this is not our reality with Emmett. Of course, he is growing up and learning new things, but he needs constant supervision and it is unlikely that he will ever be able to live independently. Most of the time, I try not to dwell on these things, but it is hard to completely put it out of my mind, especially now that he has reached double digits and is still very much like a toddler.

The good news is that he doesn’t seem to care that he is different and he is usually pretty happy to just be with the people he loves. So, as I continued my search for the perfect song for his video, I found one that seemed very appropriate. The lyrics are likely written for a much younger child, but the message is just right for Emmett:

“Big World, Baby” by JJ Heller:

Little hands, when you get tired
I will help you through
Little heart, when you get broken
I will shelter you
Little ears, if you will listen

You will hear the truth

It’s a big world, baby

Big enough to dream

You’re not too small to do great things

I’ll be with you, right beside you

Hold you when you cry

When the rain is falling on you

I will keep you dry

When you sail on stormy seas

I will be your guide

It’s a big world, baby

Big enough to dream

You’re not too small to do great things

Hear the music play

Dancing in your soul

Listen to the symphony

You’re beautiful!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Emmett may not be able to do many things that other children his age can do, but he is definitely doing more than any of us could have imagined a few years ago. He may need our help to keep him safe, but isn’t that what parents are supposed to do?

There’s no way to know for sure to know what the next decade will bring, but we will do what we can to help Emmett do great things. I truly believe that he has already done great things by simply being himself and by the way he shows his love to others.

Check out Emmett’s video here:

Emmett: The First 10 Years