Over a year ago I submitted a story that I wrote to the National Down Syndrome Society's (NDSS)-My Great Story. I remember writing it like it was yesterday. What I don't remember is the sloppiness of my writing or my choice in the title, Saint Louis Baby.
I was so excited to be having Vada's picture on a such an important site that I looked past the importance of what I was actually writing. I am proud of Vada and I wanted to share not only her but my one touching moment that I had prior to her birth and with another sweet little girl who happen to have Down syndrome, on their site and for my story. In my excitement I rushed through the writing. I made mistakes and paid no attention to my choice of words. I submitted the story blindly. When I recieved the email that my story was accepted, out of pure excitement I overlooked all of those flaws. It wasnt until a week or so ago that I relized how I had labeled this little girl who had made such a huge impact in my life. I didn't come out and call her a "Down syndrome baby" (I cringe inside for even writing those words in a single sentence) and maybe I am being a perfectionist but I feel above and beyond the writing that my choice in the title might as well have said those exact words. As a mother of a child who has Down syndrome and of a daughter who will undoubtedly be labeled for many things throughout her life I fight against these types of ignorance's and stereotypes. I fight to educate others so that they can look past her diagnosis and so that they may have the blessing to see the person I see.
Today we are having a local reporter come to our house to interview us. A spokes-lady through the NDSS contacted me last week and asked me if I would be willing to do this interview. I eagerly accepted and once again through excitement thought nothing more of it. Later, when she sent the same link to me that I had actually posted on my blog for others to learn from, I became nervous. My nerves were only highlighted when I finally went back to the story that I had long ago submitted and to my horror I realized all of my many mistakes. Today, even as I write this, I am actually trembling. Today is my opportunity to be the ambassador that I have also mentioned being. I don't want to make any mistakes. All I want is to show people the many blessings that comes with having a child who has Down syndrome. Every child is a gift from God, every single last one and that is the message that I want to share.
Ive decided to rewrite Saint Louis Baby. I want to rename it and give the story and the sweet girl who honestly changed my life the credit that is well over due! I don't know if the NDSS will trade out the stories or even submit this new one instead of the old one but once I finish it I will share it on here, regardless.
Wish me luck today. Pray that the Lord blesses us with wisdom to know the correct things to say. Pray that we may make Vada,our family and maybe even others who have Down syndrome proud. The interview is at ten this morning, if you'd like to know a good time to pray, although anytime is good.
I was so excited to be having Vada's picture on a such an important site that I looked past the importance of what I was actually writing. I am proud of Vada and I wanted to share not only her but my one touching moment that I had prior to her birth and with another sweet little girl who happen to have Down syndrome, on their site and for my story. In my excitement I rushed through the writing. I made mistakes and paid no attention to my choice of words. I submitted the story blindly. When I recieved the email that my story was accepted, out of pure excitement I overlooked all of those flaws. It wasnt until a week or so ago that I relized how I had labeled this little girl who had made such a huge impact in my life. I didn't come out and call her a "Down syndrome baby" (I cringe inside for even writing those words in a single sentence) and maybe I am being a perfectionist but I feel above and beyond the writing that my choice in the title might as well have said those exact words. As a mother of a child who has Down syndrome and of a daughter who will undoubtedly be labeled for many things throughout her life I fight against these types of ignorance's and stereotypes. I fight to educate others so that they can look past her diagnosis and so that they may have the blessing to see the person I see.
Today we are having a local reporter come to our house to interview us. A spokes-lady through the NDSS contacted me last week and asked me if I would be willing to do this interview. I eagerly accepted and once again through excitement thought nothing more of it. Later, when she sent the same link to me that I had actually posted on my blog for others to learn from, I became nervous. My nerves were only highlighted when I finally went back to the story that I had long ago submitted and to my horror I realized all of my many mistakes. Today, even as I write this, I am actually trembling. Today is my opportunity to be the ambassador that I have also mentioned being. I don't want to make any mistakes. All I want is to show people the many blessings that comes with having a child who has Down syndrome. Every child is a gift from God, every single last one and that is the message that I want to share.
Ive decided to rewrite Saint Louis Baby. I want to rename it and give the story and the sweet girl who honestly changed my life the credit that is well over due! I don't know if the NDSS will trade out the stories or even submit this new one instead of the old one but once I finish it I will share it on here, regardless.
Wish me luck today. Pray that the Lord blesses us with wisdom to know the correct things to say. Pray that we may make Vada,our family and maybe even others who have Down syndrome proud. The interview is at ten this morning, if you'd like to know a good time to pray, although anytime is good.
6 comments:
Best wishes, you are a very caring and self-aware person and will do this justice. And, I have not read it yet, but I'm sure you are harder on yourself than I will be - that is my nature as well.
I haven't read the other story yet but your love for Vada is so apparant. You will do great. Worda are not hurtful when said in love and not judgement or hate. Sometimes the people who love our kids the most say the wrong choice of words...only because they don't know. When you know better, you do better. You will be great. I am proud of you.
You will do great!! We are all guilty of those labels that we used to use before we knew better! Even people that love my Ollie dearly use incorrect labels because they are still learning. It's our job to teach them what we now know & spread the love about our beautiful babies that are much more than the label Down Syndrome. They are amazing and perfect and spectacular & I know when she leaves your house today - she will feel this!! Best of luck Mama! Proud of to be your friend!
Thanks ladies, your support this morning really made me feel so much more confident in things. Your all very sweet.
You will do a great job! Enjoy the opportunity & don't let your nerves get the best of you.
Didn't know you were from STL. I grew up in Bridgeton, MO!! I keep finding things we have in common!!
Im not from STL. We went there on a Vacation. The little girl and her family, that we met there are from that area however. :)
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