Yesterday I had the lovely opportunity to speak to another momma of a little with Down Syndrome. As we spoke about our experiences, I was marveling at how similar our feelings and outlooks are in raising kids with DS. Her birth story and finding out her daughter had Downs was eerily similar to mine 21 years prior.
I find it fascinating that as moms we can connect and because we have shared the shock, pain, grief, love, work, therapy etc. we speak the same language. A sorority of sorts. I shared the story of grieving that my little girl would never go to prom (ha! so wrong on that one) and that she would never be like other girls. Grief is one of those things you experience in waves and at the most unexpected times.
The flip side to that is raising four kids and realizing that no matter what their chromosomal make-up, they all have issues, difficulties, failures, and accomplishments. There are no guarantees in life as to how a person will end up. Sara was certainly not what I had expected as a 22 year old mom to be.
She ended up being so much more.
PS- I promise to get back to some decorating and DIY this weekend. There are some special things in the works regarding Sara, and I have been doing a lot of reflecting and writing on the subject. Pretty material and a room makeover coming soon :)
I find it fascinating that as moms we can connect and because we have shared the shock, pain, grief, love, work, therapy etc. we speak the same language. A sorority of sorts. I shared the story of grieving that my little girl would never go to prom (ha! so wrong on that one) and that she would never be like other girls. Grief is one of those things you experience in waves and at the most unexpected times.
The flip side to that is raising four kids and realizing that no matter what their chromosomal make-up, they all have issues, difficulties, failures, and accomplishments. There are no guarantees in life as to how a person will end up. Sara was certainly not what I had expected as a 22 year old mom to be.
She ended up being so much more.
PS- I promise to get back to some decorating and DIY this weekend. There are some special things in the works regarding Sara, and I have been doing a lot of reflecting and writing on the subject. Pretty material and a room makeover coming soon :)
It's amazing how our tough experiences help us connect with others. I love this quote by Annie Swetchine that got me through the heartache of losing four babies, "Those who have suffered much are like those who know many languages; they have learned to understand and be understood by all." And that is a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteThat is just beautiful! I may have to use that quote on a sign. I cannot imagine losing a child, much less four children. That takes a special kind of faith and understanding.
Deleteso precious! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome :)
DeleteSuch a wonderful and touching story! She is lucky to have such a caring mom like you.
ReplyDeleteI think a parent is always their child's best advocate and champion. I try to do that for all of my kids :)
DeleteI am new to your blog, and think I may have found a new "favorite." I am not a DIY person, but I love your writing style and will skip over the other part. Keep your thoughts coming, because that is what I will be reading! Heidi (another teacher...)
ReplyDeleteHi Heidi and welcome :)
DeleteI just happened upon your blog - Mine has a different disability - but I get it. I was just at a potluck tonight and ran into a mom with a son with the same as my daughter. We connected in about 30 sec. The worries the joys!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your beautiful family.
It really is an unspoken bond!
DeleteReally beautiful post. The John Lennon lyric "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans" is so true. My life always turns out better than what I imagined or thought I wanted, and pains I have grieved are just opportunities to learn something and grow.
ReplyDeleteLaura
Exactly! Someone asked me one time if I "regretted the mistakes". Not at all, they got me to where I am now and I couldn't have planned a better happily ever after :)
DeleteThough I am not experienced with DS, I know people that are. Your story really helps many people. I discovered you thought The Old Painted Cottage and you have a lovely home. Adore your decorating style and even though I have not been to League City, my long time girlfriend lives there with her family. Small world
ReplyDeleteYes, a very small world :) Thank you so much for your sweet words!
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