A Wonderful Gift

When I was a kid, (this was in the early 80's) there was this boy who visited our neighborhood. He was nice but very quiet. His features do stand out. The other kids called him 'M'. I never really knew what that meant nor did I even gave it a second thought. All I knew was that here's a kid who just watches quietly while other kids play. I'm sure he wanted to play. I felt sad for the kid because others called him names. I probably should have done something about it. I vaguely remember the rest of what happened. I was just a kid still learning reason back then. I didn't know what Down Syndrome was nor did anyone knew for that matter. He was just visiting.

Years after, little did I know I was going to have a kid with Ds. This memory came to me this week while thinking of what to share on my blog. Interestingly enough, the thought of Ds didn't occur to me 'til we decided it was time to have sweet little angels in our lives. In doing my research prior to pregnancy, discussions about risks came up and age being a factor.

I'm not claiming to be an expert on Down Syndrome. I'm still learning new things about it myself but here's what I know: Before much was known, children with Ds had been deduced into a certain stereotype. Parents were told of what they won't be able to do or what they will never achieve. But guess what? These kids are little miracles who continue to amaze and delight and go beyond expectations. Like any typical kid, each child with Ds is an individual. There may be lots of similarities among them but they all grow and follow a developmental pattern all on their own. At least that is what I'm seeing with my own Olivia. As a parent we worry about when our kid will walk, talk or crawl. Although, certain worries are legitimate, these major milestones, in my opinion are predetermined at birth,

The point being is that children with Ds are individuals and should not be stereotyped. They are much like any typical kid growing - their own personality, likes, dislikes, interests and uniqueness. Like a gift, there is always that element of surprise. And like any typical baby, you know you have a baby but you don't know exactly how they would turn out to be. You can mold them, teach them, guide them, love them,.... in the end they are their own person.

One can rummage the internet and find amazing stories of triumph and achievement of kids with Down Syndrome. DSG of Greater Kansas City was nice enough to give me permission to share this on my blog.

https://vimeo.com/60657246

I'm a parent of a kid with Down Dyndrome and I hope for the best for my Olivia. We want her to achieve the best of what she possibly can. What parent doesn't? It's great to know that others have done well; even greater and that is inspiring and it gives hope - that it's not just black and white for a kid with Ds, there's a gray area of wonderful possibilities.