Charlotte is nearing the age of 2. Two?! It is hard to believe we have been on this journey that long. What a wild ride it has been.
A few days ago, I watched the following video, in preparation for today.
While watching, I found myself...
...giggling,
"Normal is a cycle on a washing machine."
... inspired,
"She is going to teach me a whole new meaning of life."
"You will be a better person because of her."
..but most of all, nodding my head in agreence, because I get it.
"He will be the easiest of your three."
"She will rock that extra chromosome."
"Different does not equal less."
A couple of very wise women I used to teach with would often repeat the quote, "The only way out is through" when things got tough. I can't tell you how many times I told myself that in the early days of Charlotte's Down syndrome diagnosis and heart surgery. And you know what, I got through it, and it now seems like a distant memory. So, if I could go back to the day Charlotte was diagnosed with Down syndrome, I would tell myself just that, "The only way out is through," and one day the feelings of anger and sadness will be replaced with acceptance, hope, love and, yes, even joy. Lots of it.
Charlotte has been growing in so many ways lately. I have found myself sitting back and watching her in awe as she now toddles around with a new found independence. Walking, climbing, signing, dancing, interacting with those around her; she amazes me daily.
Down syndrome does not make Charlotte who she is, but rather is a small part of her. A part that may set her a part from her peers, but the way I look at it is we are all different in some way or another.
So today, on World Down Syndrome day, I am asking you to embrace difference. Difference is not wrong, and not something we should be ashamed of. Difference is what makes life interesting.
Spread acceptance and awareness today and every day. Celebrate.
**Head on over to My Stubborn Little Miss or With a Little Moxie to check out the World Down Syndrome Day blog hop! Happy reading!
Charlotte is getting so big! Happy WDSD from Ellie!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite blog posts. You are a beautiful writer Em! I can't explain why, but you brought me to tears.
ReplyDeleteLove this Emily! (And you chose the perfect pics to share- got my smiles and my tears all in the same place!)
ReplyDeleteI agree with them Emily, you are a terrific writer and you often bring tears to my eyes. I want to thank you for helping those of us who are far away feel like we are still nearby and are able to grow with Charlotte and fall in love with her as if we were right there with you. She is amazing and you have both taught me so much that I needed to know and hear. Happy WDSD!!!!
ReplyDeleteGirl has some great hair! Great post.
ReplyDeleteMy mother found this website by chance. She told me to check it out and that you were very inspiring. She was right. It is hard at first to accept and understand the diagnosis of down syndrome. But I have a beautiful daughter whose name is also Charlotte and she is the light of my life. She is 12 months old and doing everthing that everyone told us she would not be able to do. Your pictures made me laugh because my daughter looks very similar to your Charlotte...crazy hair and all! Your baby girl is beautiful and I love her name.
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