Call me crazy, but one of the first thoughts that crossed my mind when my daughter was born with Down syndrome was, “Will she live with us forever?” When my oldest was born, a typical baby girl, those thoughts would have felt so…outrageous! I mean, who thinks about their child moving out the day they’re born? But with Nichole it was different, Down syndrome rocked me and I was immediately … [Read more...]
When Life Is More Than I Can Handle
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome I felt devastated about her diagnosis. I cried constantly, and I struggled to find hope as I pictured our lives in the days, months, and years to come. One night, as I climbed into bed, I turned to my husband who was ready to go to sleep. I was exhausted by my sadness, and I knew he noticed it too. “The Bible says that God does not give us … [Read more...]
To The Typical Siblings
Dear typical sibling of a brother or sister with a disability, Today I want to speak to you as a parent, perhaps not your parent, but a parent nonetheless. I know you've had to sacrifice so much, and I wish you hadn't. For the many times you've thought it wasn't fair, we've felt it too. And if you've had to miss out on life experiences, please know that we wish we could offer you the … [Read more...]
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I failed to celebrate her life. I rode the waves of grief and almost drowned in my tears. All I could focus on was her diagnosis. I thought of my baby as broken, only to quickly recognize that I was the broken one. I have discovered many of God's treasures along the way, treasures of joy, compassion, acceptance, humility, and abundant love. A … [Read more...]
Disability can impact sibling relationships
“Mom, sometimes, when I look at Nichole she is so cute that I feel like crying because my heart is so full of love.” There are times I look at my children and I feel overwhelmed because of the intense love I feel for them. It is a love so hard to contain that it spills out in tears. I get this feeling, I am a mom. However, coming out of the mouth of my seven-year-old daughter, it surprised me. … [Read more...]
About Friendship
Every time my cell rings and I notice the call comes from school, there is part of me that wants to jump into panic mode. Did my daughter with cerebral palsy get hurt? Did my daughter with Down syndrome- who is a runner – get lost? Should I be getting in the car and start driving while I answer the call? The reality is, most of the time our calls go like this: “Mrs. Stumbo, just calling to … [Read more...]