Okay, so my name's not in lights. It's in tiny black & white letters, but still, this is pretty cool.
That's right, I wrote an editorial piece for World Down Syndrome Day and they published it in our local paper, the
Register-Guard!
Here's the full article:
Dear New Mom or Dad,
If you're expecting a baby with Down
syndrome, or you've recently birthed a child with Down syndrome, then
this letter is for you.
First, congratulations! Your baby will
bring you more joy and pride than you can imagine.
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. I
know you probably don't feel much like celebrating this year, but I
promise that by next year, you'll be ready to celebrate the “little
something extra” that makes your baby unique.
I know, because I've been in your
shoes. My son will be 2 years old soon. This is my third World Down
Syndrome Day since we got the news. The first year, I didn't feel at
all like celebrating anything. I was too scared for my baby and the
health issues he might face. But now, March 21 really is a day to be
thankful for each and every chromosome. My son has changed my life
in so many ways. Your baby will do the same for you.
A year from now, you'll compare your
baby to typical babies and you'll think that her Down syndrome makes
her cuter. In fact, all babies with Down syndrome will be cuter –
those exotic eyes, the silky hair, the rounded cheeks. Our babies
really do have the perfect baby faces!
A year from now, you'll breathe in the
scent of your baby and you won't think about Down syndrome. Your
baby is just that – your baby. Nothing else will matter. You'll
be too busy looking forward to all of the amazing milestones your
baby will be reaching: holding his head up, lifting his belly off the
floor, sitting, first signs. Every one is worth shouting from the
rooftops, and you will.
Whatever stereotypes you might possibly
hold about Down syndrome will be shattered. Your baby teaches you
that the sky is the limit for her. You'll be shocked and delighted
at all that she can do and how fast she learns. Your friends and
family will soon be telling you how smart your baby is and you'll nod
with pride – because it's true.
Your tiny little baby – you gaze into
his eyes and marvel at the beauty there. You whisper sweet nothings
into his ears and he smiles back at you. You've done these things
with your other children, and you'll find that it's no different with
this one. Babies are babies and that's a blessing. It gives you a
chance to evolve into the parent and advocate that you'll someday be
for him.
Many people will tell you that children
with Down syndrome are sweet and gentle and kind. This could be
true, but I've also found that it inspires those feelings in us.
The virtues of patience, loving-kindness, gentleness, and joy are
blossoming in those around us thanks to our child. He seems to bring
it out of people, even complete strangers are charmed by his
wide-eyed stare or his toothy smile.
Our cultural attitudes are changing.
No one has ever expressed dismay at our child's diagnosis. Instead,
they tell us how he reminds them of their own loved ones or people
they've known who made a difference in their lives. While everyone
loves a baby, babies with Down syndrome attract a lot of friendly
attention.
I can't tell you exactly what your life
will be like a year from now because our journeys are all different.
But I can tell you that it will be rich and full and rewarding. It's
a journey absolutely worth traveling. While I wouldn't have chosen
to give my child Down syndrome, I know that I've been blessed by it
and made into a better person.
When you're ready, I hope that you'll
connect with other parents. Locally, we have the Emerald Family Down
Syndrome Network (efdsn.org). Those of us with babies & toddlers
meet monthly. We love babies and can't wait to meet you.
If you prefer an online support group,
my favorite groups are the Rockin' Moms and Rockin' Dads through the
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (dsdiagnosisnetwork.org). Since our
kids totally rock their extra chromosome, it's fitting that we have a
rockin' place to chat with other moms and dads. Each group is like a
birth club, limited to babies born the same year as your baby.
Drama-free support, these people will soon be your best friends.
So happy World Down Syndrome Day.
Celebrate your little person and each of his or her 47 chromosomes.
I look forward to meeting you. Welcome, and again, congratulations.
Sincerely,
Cade's mom
