Six years ago, this day, you slept quietly in my arms.

 I promised you from
that day on, I would be your hero, keep you safe from harm.

 But as you slept that
night away,  so peacefully and so pure.

 I never knew they
were coming, the hardships you would endure.

Through your first year, you were plagued by infections in
your little ears.

 So bad to the point
that Doctor’s said you could barely even hear.

 So surgery was a
must, ear tubes needed to be put in place.

 And through that
entire ordeal, a smile never left your innocent face.

Then by your second Birthday, you still couldn’t even speak.

 Not knowing what was
going on, I really began to freak.

 Assessments were done
saying it’s some kind of delay in your speech.

 Therapy goals were
set and year-by-year you were always able to reach

Throughout your fourth and fifth year, a new problem was
thrown in my face.

 A Dentist said you
have soft teeth and 7 caps must be put in place.

 But on each scary
visit, when the caps were painfully forced in.

 You fought hard,
face-to-face, with fear, and it’s you who would always win.

By the summer of your fifth year a new heartache came to be.

 The Doctor said that
your bad behavior was due to ADHD.

 So pills were prescribed
and the thought to give you them caused me such pain.

 But every day I get
to see that the same Mateo you remain.

And just two weeks ago, a Doctor said you were born with
weak sight.

 And just to see
something in front of your face was like a never winning fight.

 Then glasses prescribed
to you were given and the difference I could already see.

 From the torture you
had endured for so long, finally, you were set free.

So Happy Birthday little man, though a hero to you I may
never be.

 But by your fearless
fighting spirit, a hero you are to me.

 Times, I know, will
be tough enough to make me almost go mad.

But always remember how proud   I am to say that I’m your dad.