Two years ago our lives took a turn, and we began our journey of Down Syndrome awareness. I vividly remember the sorrow in my heart when I learned the child I was carrying had Ds! I thought my life as I knew it was over! I knew I would have to become an advocate for my child, but I desperately did not want to become part of the special needs community!! Oh how I wish I knew then what I know now!! I wasted so much time and energy fussing and worrying about what our lives would be like!! I now know that having my son, AJ in our lives is the sweetest gift and blessing we could have ever received!!
I should note at this time- this was our 11th (that's right, I said eleventh!) child I was expecting! My husband and I did not set out to have a large family. In fact, we had both agreed we really didn't want children at all!! LOL But God had a different plan for us!! :) When we first received our pre-natal diagnosis, I was so worried about my other children. I wondered how this would affect them having a sibling with Down Syndrome. Once again, I wish I could have known that I was wasting time and precious energy by worrying here. AJ has brought a very special love to our lives....a love sweeter and more pure than any we had ever known, and believe me, I thought our hearts were already as full as could be with love. AJ has shown us our hearts true capacity for love and the joy of true, unconditional love. Every one of my children, even the smallest, can tell you about the extraordinary love they feel for AJ and receive from AJ. Each of my children has shared with me privately that they are certain AJ loves them the most! That is the kind of love that exudes from AJ's heart!!
Another blessing in my life that was unknown at the time of diagnosis would be the wonderful new friends I have met!! So many of my dearest friends I have met through the Down Syndrome community.
I know in my heart that having AJ in our lives has enriched our marriage and our family life. I would LOVE to meet Sarah Palin some day!! She and I share a very special bond... we both are honored to love someone with Down Syndrome!!