I stood in your shoes. I stood at the precipice of this life, my emotions engulfed in fear, grief, and uncertainty. I remember the congratulations and the welcomes from our community. I still felt uncertain and then I felt guilt for my uncertainty. I want you to know that everyone entering this unexpected path has felt what you are feeling. We were not sure we could do it, yet here we all are saying congratulations and welcome to you. There is a reason for that. We have the gift of perspective. I promise that you will have that gift someday. You will process this and when you do, you will come out the other side. Someday, you will be dancing alongside us with your silly socks at a World Down Syndrome Day dance. I promise this life is something you will want to celebrate.
Emotions are fleeting. Love is permanent. This child you have been gifted with is your baby and you will love him or her with a fierceness that will move mountains. You will become an advocate. As you settle into this role, you will learn about adults with Down syndrome living meaningful lives. Adults competing in Ironman triathlons, lobbying in Washington DC, acting in movies and television shows, and being celebrated for the people they are and the gifts they bring into this world. You will learn that emotional intelligence can take you far in life. You will see parents throwing parties when their children walk, talk, sit up, and everything in between, celebrating every milestone in agonizing detail because it warrants that reaction. You will have deeper friendships with other parents in this community. When you take away the pretense of perfect parenting, you connect with people on a more meaningful level. When you let your guard down and are given the opportunity to be truly vulnerable, the reward is a supportive lifelong community.
I would be lying if I said this path was easy. It’s full of mountains to climb and roads less traveled, but there is wonderment in this life. Hard work gives us an appreciation for things others take for granted. This journey turns life’s most ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My daughter, Sienna age 4, is sunshine, rainbows, and laughter. She has made us slow down and enjoy each day. When she was born, I found myself focusing too much energy on the future and unknowns. But Sienna in her wisdom, taught me that it was wasted energy. The truth is that none of us knows where ANY child’s life will take them. So now, we take it slow, enjoying each stage. We experience more everyday magic. I am so grateful to her for that welcome change in pace.
Sienna has forced me out of my comfort zone. She has made me take risks. Because of her, I started a blog that has been published by the TODAY show and ScaryMommy. Because of her, her 7 year-old sister and I advocated and fought for her rights in front of a US Senator. Because of her, he read my words on the floor of the United States Senate. Because of her, I have taken trips to Chicago, Phoenix, Nashville, and several trips to Harrisburg to connect with other parents in this community, each trip more meaningful than the next. Because of her, her sister has a front row seat to empathy and compassion. I can honestly say that Sienna has enriched our lives. She has made us better people.
Your child will do the same for you and your family. One day, you will stand in my shoes with a four year-old with Down syndrome, and you will be the one telling new parents that this life is worth celebrating. Until then, know that we have all felt what you are feeling and we are here to help you navigate it all.
