The insights just keep on coming! Today I've been thinking about myself and who I am and how this impacts Baby J. I am a woman, a wife, a mother. I will soon be a Nana. I am a college math professor. I am a perfectionist and an introvert. I process slowly. I love to read. I'm not good at any organized sports. I'm completely at home in the water and love to swim. I don't like crowds. I like silence because it never really is. I like to travel. I have terrible spatial sense, and I get super frustrated when things change on the computer. I hate discussing politics or religion. I love to think about religion. I hate to think about politics. All of these things and many more make up who I am. My conclusion? Baby J. is and will be so much more than his Down syndrome. That represents just one tiny little chromosome of his make-up and who he will become. So today I am putting it all in perspective and really focusing on just one thing--I am going to be Nana to a very amazing little guy! And I can't wait!!!
"What's it like to have a grandchild with Down syndrome?" "Will he be able to go to 'regular' school?" "Will he ever talk?" "Does he know who you are?" And the first comment many people say when they first hear of Wes's diagnosis: "Oh. I"m sorry." These are all perfectly legitimate questions and comments that I've heard over the past two years. I take all of them as a way that people show they are interested and caring. But I'd like to clarify and explain some things about our little guy. First and foremost, the diagnosis of Down syndrome is not a curse or something to be sorry about. Honest. Wes has developmental delays - not developmental lack of abilities. There is a big difference. And just so you know...he is very, very smart. We were just there over the holidays and his communication skills blew me away. No, he's not talking audibly yet at two years four months. But he is commu...
so true. such a positive and real way of thinking of him as a whole person made of several different pieces. just like everyone!
ReplyDeletewhen i read your words or reflect upon them later the words positive and honest and lovely come to mind. you are going to be a wonderful nana! you already are. baby j is one lucky baby :)