Fill Up My Cup

I came across this article the other day.

First Runner With Down Syndrome Completes NY Marathon, Redefines Word 'Champion'

This article, and many others like it, bring tears to my eyes. Not your typical tears, instead they bring tears of happiness, and pride. Things like this remind me over and over again how proud, and how blessed I am to be Bunny's Mom.

When you're told by the Dr's that your precious child has Down Syndrome it is accompanied by all kinds of things. They tell you they're sorry, and that termination is an option. They tell you that if you do decide to continue the pregnancy that adoption options and tax credits are available. You're told your baby will be different. That they won't reach their 'milestones' at the same time as "normal" babies. They will be hypertonal (very floppy), and it will take them a very long time to learn things like sitting and walking. They can have a whole slew of health problems, from heart conditions, to hearing and vision loss, and everything in between. You're put in contact with 'support' people who really have no idea what they're talking about. And you hear over and over again, that people with Down Syndrome are 'always happy'. You're given stacks of paperwork and books to read that are so full of medical jargon and worst case scenarios that you feel more overwhelmed and upset than ever before.

I am ashamed to admit that when we got the phone call. The one from the geneticist saying the amino results had come back, and our sweet baby did indeed have Down Syndrome I was devastated. I felt like all my hopes and dreams for his life has just been smashed to smithereens. I was terrified. What if I couldn't raise a child with Down Syndrome? What if I couldn't connect with him? I remember at 27 years old crawling into my Daddy's lap and bawling my eyes out. I remember saying "what if nobody loves him?" I knew deep down that it was silly, but I was afraid of society, of the teasing both he and I would endure. I didn't want to explain to him why we got sideways looks and disgusted glances from people who don't understand.

I wish the Dr's and geneticists would have told us how extremely lucky we were. I wish they would have said. I know you're scared now, but trust me, this baby is going to be the biggest blessing to you and your family. He will break down walls, and mend relationships you never thought repairable. He will show you over and over again the love of God. He will teach you that the Lord's grace is sufficient, and in all things God is present and loving.

I wish they would have connected us with other parents instead of specialists so they could have told us, that our hopes and dreams for this baby weren't crushed. Yes they change, but they will change for any baby based on what they want out of life. Your baby may take a little bit longer to do, and learn things, but with your love and encouragement he can do ANYTHING he sets his mind to. He can run a marathon, he can get married, he can be a lawyer, his options are endless!!

The Dr's, instead of saying sorry, should say yes termination is an option, but if it's one you choose to pursue you will never know what  he has to teach you about the true meaning of unconditional love. The specialists should say that your fears of raising a child with Down Syndrome are legitimate, but unnecessary. You will connect with him, you will love him, and the sideways glances and inappropriate comments from strangers are just a way for you to show God's love, extend his grace, and to teach the people around you about the blessings that people with Down Syndrome bring to you and the world.

I wish they would have said you will not be raising this child on your own. In fact you and your son are going to be a part of an exclusive community, that is supportive, and caring. You will have the help of other parents, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, and friends. I wish I would have had some indication of the pride I would feel being a part of that community.

Bunny isn't quite 7 months old yet, and already I've been taught that joy comes easily, support is abundant, and the smallest milestones and accomplishments are accompanied by the biggest celebrations!

My heart, and my life are full to the top with love and joy! And just when I think it couldn't get any better I read an article like the one above, Bunny reaches his arms out to me for the first time, or grins that HUGE gummy grin when I walk into a room and my joy runs over.

Usually in the form of tears!

Fill Up My Cup
Fill Up My Cup Let it Overflow
Fill Up My Cup
Fill Up My Cup, Let it Overflow with Love

Fill Up My Cup