My nephew is a curly headed beauty. We share a life only through photos since he lives in Europe. I’ve yet to meet him or even his sister. Travel has been put on hold due to issues with my son’s health.

This is not a bad thing, staying home has grounded me and given me a chance to spread my wings at projects under my roof. In fact, there’s a fantastic podcast, SunStruck Radio, an hour magazine show coming soon about the wonders of life and the interesting happens around Costa Rica and the world, which sprouted due to my “at-home-ness.”

I digress….

This cutie nephew of mine was born six months after Addison. The latest photo shows him standing tall with his sister at his side. The photos are adorable.

There’s this twinge that pokes at the back of my skull when ever Addison is surpassed in gross motor skills by his peers, and then his younger peers. My son is such a great gift in my life, and what a lesson he gives me everyday.

Who’s to say mom who’s normal? What’s normal mom? Let it go mom. We’re not so much different, you and I.

We all think we’re different, but most of us are lucky (or possibly unlucky) because we get to hide our differences inside. Insecurities…addictions…fear of commitment…hidden candy bars in the underwear drawer….

Now, Addison, his difference is right out there. When we walk into a room, I get those stares:

Is there something wrong with him? Is that kid a little off? I can tell people are trying to figure out what to say, how to act.

And, after that scratchy feeling dissipates from my skull, its all o.k. I saunter with my kid with pride because he’s taught me how to bring out those differences, show them, flaunt them, and then, after the dust settles tuck away in the underwear drawer because I don’t need them anymore.