After Penny was diagnosed with Down syndrome, there were days when I felt as if I was drowning. I could almost feel my lungs filling up with water. I could almost see my murky surroundings, the distorted objects and the light filtering through. I thought I would never come to the surface. Back then, my head was filled with questions and my heart was filled with dread. I was scared of the life … [Read more...]
Building Bridges
I sometimes feel a strange sense of guilt, or at least dis-ease, about Penny. It's not what you might think. I'm about as comfortable as I can imagine being with a child who has Down syndrome, and I think my kids are too. (The other day, I was explaining that some athletes from the Special Olympics practice we were about to see might have Down syndrome. Penny did a fist pump in the air and … [Read more...]
Full or Functional
She meant well when she asked. “How high-functioning is your daughter?” I didn’t think much of it as I replied, “Oh, she’s very high-functioning. Her intelligence is at an age-appropriate level. The developmental delays she experiences are related to motor skills. She can’t jump or run very well. She can’t whistle. That kind of thing.” “That’s great,” she said. And then the conversation moved … [Read more...]
Mothers Share Truths Learned Because of Down Syndrome
Today is World Down Syndrome Day! March 21, because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. Many use this day as an opportunity to educate, or spread awareness of the different challenges that these individuals face. It is a day set apart to celebrate our kids, siblings, cousins, friends, and neighbors with Down syndrome. Celebrate Down syndrome? Yes, I know, it might … [Read more...]