Dear Sara,
18. Wow. I have to admit, all these years we've been going along with physical, occupational, and speech therapy, alternative academics, ARDS, IEP's, and everything else that has been a normal part of your life- reaching 18 seemed forever away. The truth is that it's been a bit of a blink. Not so long ago I was dressing you up in Buster Brown onsies with lady bugs and matching bows, today we are going to get your official Texas ID and waiting on our court date for gaurdianship. Time flies.
When you were born the geneticist told me that you would never walk, talk or attend public school. That the back of your head would flatten out- and really not to expect much from you. Thank goodness I was a determined 22 year old who said, "Screw that", swooped you up and headed out the door to prove him wrong. And we did prove him wrong. You walked by age two, signed at 7 months, talked by age two and a half, and have attended public school since you were three years old. Oh, and the back of your head? As rounded out as they come thank-you-very-much.
You are a Special Olympian swimmer and bowler. You are a Best Buddy. You are a big sister. You are a best friend. You are so much more than your initial diagnosis of trisomy 21. Who knew that one little dot extra to a pair of chromosomes could add so much to a person? That doctor didn't have any idea, but we did.
What happens next? Honestly Sara, I don't know. You'll attend school for three more years. Vocational training will be our big focus as we try to help you figure out what you want to do after high school. I've always been honest with you, and I can honestly say I'm a bit scared, but I know that like always we will get to those scary places together and you will glide through them as gracefully as always and leave me wondering what it was that I was so scared about in the first place. You have that ability, a true gift.
Happy Birthday Boo.
Love,
Mom
I teared up! I can't help it. So sweet. And so happy that you guys proved that "doctor" wrong.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Yes - Happy Birthday Sara!! Keep moving ahead, you can do much if you try.
ReplyDeleteI hope somewhere there is a room full of these so called specialists trying to figure out how to apologise to all the kids whose lives they ruined by telling parents they had no chance... Thank the gods you were that determined 22 year old. I have seen both ends of the spectrum parents like you and ones that went ok lets just give up.
ReplyDelete18 years of really hard work from you and Sara and it was worth it.. Congrats SuperMum and Happy Birthday Sara....
Such a beautiful post. It sounds like you have a very special daughter and she has a very special mother.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that Sara Kathryn knows that her Mom is the best friend she will ever have. You are so special, both of you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthdat Sara!!!
Happy Birthday Sara! It's your birthday and you send a gift to Kristen. It should be the other way around. Thank You so much for the package. Kristen loves to help in the kitchen so the apron is perfect. She also likes Ice Cream so the book is perfect. Sometimes when my mom stays with Kristen I'll come home and find them looking at cook books. Thank You!
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