Day 2: I've been thinking about Down syndrome a lot lately, but not in the ways you might expect. We are 8 1/2 months into our journey, and so far, it's been very different from what I expected.
I expected to always be sad and worried about Ds. Today, there are still days the future has me wondering, and even concerned at times, but it doesn't scare me like it once did. I know we, with God's help, will be able to handle anything that comes our way.
I expected a baby with lots and lots of health issues. Now that her heart is fixed we have a healthy and happy baby.
I expected people to look at my baby and shy away, to be uncomfortable around her. Instead, she draws everyone in with her beautiful, irresistible smile and engaging personality.
I expected my life to revolve around Ds. Sure, my days can be busy with therapies, but my days are filled with way more baby things, than Ds things.
I expected to think of nothing but Ds when I looked at my girl. I see Ds in her features, and those distinctive features are absolutely beautiful to me, but they aren't what I see. I see a brown-haired, blue eyed beauty with my nose and Darren's dimples. A sweet girl who is Claire, and not a diagnosis.
What I didn't expect where the amazing blessings that Down syndrome has brought into my life.
Awareness. Of all people with disabilities. This is not pity, but rather a different kind of understanding.
Friends. People, moms and kids, who I may never meet, and yet, I honestly call them friends. The T21 community is amazing, and one that I am so proud to be a part of.
I love this post. There are so many out ther in the t21 group that put into words so perfectly what I feel but am unable to do so myself this post has done just that. I feel the same way about my little girl. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! Mostly we just do baby things here too. OK...actually they are toddler things now...lol. There really is a lot to celebrate about Ds!!!
ReplyDeleteshe is an absolute blessing. i could just inhale her.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post!
This post made me smile and even brought a tear to my eye. Not only are you blessed by Claire, but Claire is blessed to have parents like you and your husband. My wish would be that other parents expecting a Ds baby will see this and be at peace knowing this is a gift from God.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking today that if Jesenia didn't have Down syndrome I wouldn't have all the awesome new friends that have come into my life. I'm so glad that we are on this journey and I hope that Claire and Jesenia will be able to hang out more as they grow up.
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