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Yes, He Has Down Syndrome AND Friends

In my last blog post, I made this statement concerning Wes's "exuberant" loving (i.e., grabbing and biting other children):

 "I realize that this is toddler behavior and that he will outgrow it, but because I already have a fear of his not being accepted by other children, this was difficult to witness." 

 The post was written on the day that I had taken Wes to his music class and witnessed him not only making some other children cry with his forceful hugging, but I had also witnessed the looks in some of those little kids' eyes.  It was a little bit devastating.  So when I made the statement that I realized it was just toddler behavior, blah, blah, blah, that was my head talking, not my heart.  My heart was screaming, "Please, other children and your parents, understand that he is a toddler and he just really loves you, and please don't avoid him and run away in terror because he bit your ear."

 So it was with delight and complete relief that I saw a picture that my daughter posted the other day.  I mean, I wouldn't have to fake it anymore!  I refer to fake believing that he would outgrow this and other kids would accept him.  Let's be blunt...I've been afraid he wouldn't have friends because he has Down syndrome.  Ridiculous, you say?  It's a common fear.  But then I heard all about his little friend Jack (not his real name.  I'm no dummy, here!) and how they have learned to play together at the park.  And that, my friends, is why I smiled today...not cried, but smiled, and I'm still smiling.  I mean, look!  Are you serious?  I forget sometimes that the world can be this doggone CUTE!!!

  

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