The Road less Traveled; Things I Wish I’d Known About Having a Child with Down Syndrome

I remember my first World Down Syndrome Day like it was yesterday. I remember scrolling through my Facebook page wondering how all these families were so happy to have children with Down syndrome. I wasn’t there yet. I put on the silly socks. I faked my smile. I posted on social media. I went home and cried. I cried for the joy that I couldn’t find in this road less traveled. Today, is our third WDSD, and I want to tell the families out there that aren’t celebrating, that it’s okay. These are the things I wish I had known.

I wish I had realized that the doctor who delivered your diagnosis did not understand the beauty of raising a child with Down syndrome. I wish I wouldn’t have let the harshness of his words affect me in such a profound way. I wish I had known that the picture he was painting was with his brush, not ours. Where he saw different, I see wonderment. Where he saw delays, I see triumphs. Where he saw pain, I see love. Where he saw hardship, I see fulfillment. When he saw only your diagnosis and not the person you are, I saw a need for change.

I wish I had realized that sometimes a happy ending isn’t the way you pictured it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find inspiration in what’s different. Sometimes the happy ending is even better than the one you dreamt up in your head. Sometimes the storms in our lives make us better people, and they give us an appreciation for all the things that other people take for granted. That kind of perspective is a rare gift.

Before you arrived, our life was chaotic and fast. You have forced us to slow down, and appreciate the beauty that comes from the road less traveled. I will never forget the pain I felt when you were born, but overcoming that hardship and celebrating the person you are, has added color to our world and fulfillment to our souls. The proverbial fork in the road doesn’t always have two choices. Sometimes, you build your own path.

I wish I had realized the meaning you would add to my life. Advocating for you has been one of our greatest blessings. Teaching others about how wonderful our lives are with you in it, fulfills me in a way I never imagined possible, in a way only other mothers on this journey can understand. I didn’t know that I would feel more at home in this community than I ever have. The friendships, the compassion, and understanding that live in this world are gifts that I treasure.

The girls and me teaching a first grade class about Down syndrome
Our friends at this year’s Buddy Walk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your presence in your sister’s life is a blessing, not a curse. I wish I had known that having you as her sibling would make her even more kind and empathetic. I wish I had known that she would gravitate towards protecting you, all on her own, without me pushing. I wish I would have realized that sharing the spotlight with you would make her happy, not resentful. I wish I had been given a crystal ball saw that I could picture the smiles, the laughter, and the love that exists between the two of you. I wish I had realized that adults that have siblings with Down syndrome are grateful.

I wish I had realized the battles that still need to be fought for you and your peers. Before you arrived, I thought that every child in this country was provided with the therapies and assistance they needed to thrive. I didn’t realize that families had to fight for services, education, and assistance. I didn’t realize that adults with Down syndrome were lobbying for their rights. You have opened my eyes to the work that needs to be done to help others.

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