Well, I really don't have any deep thoughts or feelings to share today, so thought I'd pose a question instead:
What have you learned as a result of this Down syndrome awareness campaign? How has your awareness been raised by reading this and other blogs?
I'd love to hear from all of you who read my blog - even those who usually don't leave comments.
Adieu
-
After more than two years and 555 posts (556 counting this one!), I'm
saying goodbye to Adventures in Motherhood. I'm ready for a change, and
I've started ...
13 years ago
10 comments:
Lisa, this is Sue Dedrick, I dont know if you remember me from your childhood, but I hope you do. I remember u with many fond memories. I can only congratulate u on your beautiful son. I personally love people and especially children with DS. They are beautiful souls and are more loving that the average child (in my opinion) I have only had the pleasure of knowing one such loving child but it taught me much about unconditional love. I am glad to read that you are happy, confusion about our children and life in general is a normal part of being an adult according to my experience. Dont fret too much or u will loose the joy associated with being a Mom. I know I sure did I was always so worried about what my kids said or did. I send you my love and hope to hear from you (if you want) I am at sfd2446@yahoo.com. Sue
Hi there!
You don't know me but I follow you. I first read about Finn on the pg board, and then I noticed your siggy had a blog posted.
So I'll tell you a little about me. My mom is a foster mom here in Canada, and she has been since I was 17 years old. I am and Early Childhood Educator that now stays home with my two girls.
My mom takes in a lot of children with disabilities, and I have worked with children (mostly on the autism spectrum).
I find your honesty refreshing, and eye-opening.
And although I haven't learned too many new things about DS, I do appreciate the parents perspective alot more!
Also I have been keeping my eyes peeled for baby books/baby calenders that portray children with disabilities (all types not just DS) and I think it is a project you should really run with!)...
So I guess that's my novel for now. Thank you for your honesty and openness!
Hi Lisa,
You know...I really was disappointed (for lack of a better word) in some of the things that were said on that one thread...In my old job (before sahm), I worked as a professional math tutor (college) with a lot of students who had a lot of different disabilities. This one girl came to mind when I was reading all of the responses there. While she didn't have DS, she had had an IEP in high school. In her testing notes, it said she had "mild mental retardation". She was so hurt by those "medical" terms.
It's because of your (and others') advocacy that children and even adults may not have to face such ugliness.
The reason that I've participated in 31 for 21 makes me feel a little silly...when I was pregnant last year my triple screen blood test came back with very high odds that my baby would have Down syndrome. While she was born without Ds, it's still something that I hold close to my heart. Although I do not have a child with Ds, I felt it was a small way I could raise awareness amongst my blog readers. I have found your blog to be particularly compelling because of the honesty with which you write. Thanks for sharing your stories with us.
Hi Lisa
It's Jan from the Large Family board.. I have become alot more informed, especially through you, about DS- health issues that are DS related, the parents perspective, how society reacts to people with DS (both good and bad) and mainly I have learned that it is alot more common than I initially thought which leads to greater ways and networks to receive support. I have also learned that the medical community don't really know all there is to know, and may sometimes tend to have tunnel vision...
You have supplied me with alot of knoweledge through your journey with Finn, I really would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and information via this blog. Keep up the good work Lisa!
P.S. I don't feel done either. I too would love to know if I will ever feel done...
I have been following your blog since my sister Laurie has. It has been comforting to know you are going through the same feelings and emotions, ups and downs as my sister and I have.
Dylan's diagnosis was such a surprise but I now believe it was a blessing for our family. He has opened all of our eyes to a new world. The amount of love Dylan has brought to our family is extrodinary.
I want to thank you for being so open and honest in your blog. There are alot of cruel and ignorant people out there but I believe with people like you and my sister and the other mom's out there, we can educate people about the children in our lives with Ds. 31 for 21 was a great tool to help people understand how amazing they are and how much joy they bring.
I must say Finn is adorable and I enjoy reading about his accomplishments thus far!
Please keep us in your thoughs on Tuesday, Dylan will amaze us and do great just as he has over and over in the four months we have been blessed to have him in our family!
Well, your experiences and honesty in this blog has taught me many things. Let's see...(1)what it means to be a good friend is a constantly changing definition, (2)anything and everything about DS, (3)just how deep the love of a mother flows, (4)and how hurtful people can be, some out of ignorance, but more out of being obstinant and self-righteousness. Love you!
Lisa, I have followed your blog from the large family board at pg.org.
Working in the medical field, I was aware of many of the medical issues DS children may have.
But my eyes have been opened to the emotional side of parenting a child with DS, from the devastation of the diagnosis, to the worry over what to expect, to the joys of his first smiles and baby laughs. I appreciate your openness and honesty.
Lisa, This is Joyce. I have a post on Sarah's site today that answers your question of the day. I have also linked you in this story, I hope you don't mind. If you do please let me know and I will take it out. Your writing has so touched me each and every day. If I had started to journal when Sarah was born, like you have with Finn, our posts would be so similiar. Thank you for taking the time and be willing to share your heart with us.
Lisa, I found this blog through PO and I have read it everyday. I thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself and even in the moments when you were struggling you were educating others. It has been so wonderful to watch you go from complete devestation (as I think any parent would feel) to a place now where you are embracing your new role. You are an excellent example of parental love, and I admire so much all of the dedication you have for your family.
Your entire family is just beautiful.
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