This has been a long delayed post but I haven’t forgotten that October is Down Syndrome Awareness month. Being a mother of a child who was born with Down Syndrome, I became a part of the community who wanted to help educate and spread information about the extra 21st chromosome.
When my child was born, it never occurred to me that I will be able to do a blog post such as this. I have never denied what emotions I have been through when our child was diagnosed with Trisomy 21. It turned my world upside down and I never thought I will recover from that. But we went through it all.
It was painful, yes. But my outlook about it has changed as I learn more about my Alphonse.
This month, as the whole world celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness, I knew that I have to take part in spreading information that this disability does not mean our child is any less than typical children. Along with being born with an extra chromosome, a person with Down Syndrome may suffer from other health-related issues. Mine had congenital heart disease called Tetralogy of Fallot and was corrected at age 6 weeks. They will need regular therapies to help them catch up in terms of development and to help them be independent when they grow up. From the very moment they arrived in this world, their battle has begun and they should not suffer further by being ridiculed, maltreated or be the subject of jokes. They deserve to be treated just like how you want to treated.
Our child may have delayed physical and mental development, different facial features and probably is more vulnerable to diseases than others but they are just like any other child or person.
They don’t need sympathy. They need understanding.
They don’t need to be treated special. They need be treated equal.
They don’t need you to be sorry for them. They just need to be loved.
And these are what the whole world should know.
Very well said. We also have a son with DS, so I can relate. Everything you say is true and should be taken to heart by everybody.
Thank you for dropping by Rikki. And I’m glad you liked the post 🙂
You spoke so beautifully and I admire how you’ve handled this past year! Can’t believe your little prince will be one soon! My how time flies!
Stacey, I can’t believe it either! This was the year that I was hoping to see when the doctors broke the news. But I guess I have to deal with every little bit of what life is to get to the sweetest part. 🙂
I do not have a child with DS, but I work with two of the most amazing little girls every day who do. They are smart, they are loving, they are funny, they are little lights in this dark and crazy world. I love my job and the kids I help. They help me too, and my life will forever be better for having taught, loved, laughed, and learned from them.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Jillian. Makes me happy to hear that 🙂
What a beautiful family you have! I especially love Alphonse’s sparkle-eyes expression in the top photo.
As a fellow mother of a child with Down syndrome, I applaud your post. Disability is not disaster. It is part of the diversity and uniqueness of humanity. Our kids are more alike their “typical” peers than they are different.
PS, love your kits. I was on a CT for a site you guested for a couple of years ago. 😀
That is true. Thank you Nancy 🙂
Well written Mye, I had forgotten it was Downs Syndrome awareness month, My son is 20 and has the same cheeky grin, he was born with several other conditions besides Downs, one of which meant that he was hospitalised for much of his first three years of life. I think the highlight for me on our journey was when he said and signed I love you Mum when he was about 10 years old. He is in adult education now and recently in his home/college book it said, Robbie is a very caring young man and in particular is very supportive and helpful towards his peers, showing patience and cheerfulness with those who struggle with things.
Thank you for visiting Claire. You have a wonderful story and I hope to be able to share mine to inspire others too. I love hearing stories about children like ours. Makes me even stronger
Beautiful post! I loved it all, but especially your last few statements…so well said…perfect really.
Thank you LIndsey 🙂
Hi, Mye! Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how wonderful I think your product is, and while I’m sorry to learn your shop is closing, I’m happy to learn you have a wonderful opportunity ahead and I do pray it all works out wonderfully. I first learned of your story some time ago, when news hit the digital scrapbooking community about needed heart surgery for your little one. I even made a small donation at the time. Our grandson #2 (dau son) has a serious CHD and his Fontan surgery will be next spring or so. Our grandson #4 (son’s son)was born just a couple weeks ago, late August, with DS and a heart defect which will require surgery at some point. We love all four grandsons to the moon and back. Oh yes, I am an avid Project Lifer, so very thankful for the opportunity to document all our blessings. Best wishes to you and your family!
Hi Lynn and thank you for sharing your story. Whenever I hear stories like this, i feel that we are connected in some way. I feel for you and I feel the love that you have for your grandsons. They are wonderful and amazing children. Thank you so much. Keep documenting life.