Positive Experiences

I think of "Down syndrome" on a daily basis. I read about it through emails, blog posts and on Facebook but it is on a rare occasion that I look into the eyes of my own daughter who happens to have Down syndrome, and see it.

More than anything I want Vada to be accepted by others. I want her to be included, valued and loved throughout her life and I want others who have Down syndrome as well as any other intellectual differences to have the same. I often write about Down syndrome or post interesting articles for others to read and hopefully to learn from but I don't do it for the reasons that some may think. Sometimes I feel like because I am so comfortable with our life and the fact that God has blessed us with a child who has Down syndrome that I don't need to share these things because ultimately, Vada already has all of the things that I want for her here, under our roof and in our family. Then I realize that while she may spend the rest of her days living at home, she wont always be under our roof and because of that I have a duty to try to reach others who are unaware, like I once was.

All life, is beautiful. Every child that is created and brought to us has value and meaning. God gives us children for a purpose, He has a plan for each and everyone. Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would have a child with any kind of "disability" and while that is how Vada is labeled medically, I don't see her any differently than I do Jasmine or Kiliegh, my older daughters. To me, Vada is just one of my girls.

Today I posted this article on Facebook; Parents,Siblings and People With Down Syndrome Report Positive Experiences, it's a interesting report and it made me realize once again how Vada's Down syndrome diagnosis has only meant wonderful things for our family. I realize that for her, she will have a more difficult journey ahead of her than her older sisters may have and in many ways she already has. We know that she will have to work harder to achieve certain goals and it may take her longer than the "average" person but that's all okay we will be walking beside her when she needs us and following when she doesn't. I didnt take this survey but I am part of the 99% who loves my child who has Down syndrome. I am part of the 79% who's outlook on life is better because I have her in it. I have no regrets, I have only love and hope for Vada as well as for Jasmine and Kiliegh. I share articles on Down syndrome because I also have a hope that it may help create a better and more accepting future for my children and isn't that what all parents want?

My Great Mistake and an Interview With the Paper

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.