Today has brought on some very new and interesting insights. I want to start with my daughter. As I said earlier, Jaime and I have always been very close. But I've always thought of her even at this age as "my little girl." I know. Kind of silly. I mean, she is 35 years old. But it's a mom thing. So when she and Ryan got pregnant, I still thought like that. And I thought that way when she called with this news of Down syndrome--I needed to be the comforting mom. But in the past 48 hours something has completely changed. I see her now for the amazing woman she has become. She has taken this news and just run with it! She's made contacts and done research; she's cried; she's rebounded. But most of all I have sensed this intense resolve...a tangible change I can feel through the phone. I am in awe! And I am so very proud! She and Ryan have GOT this! :)
"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...
Love this.
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