The upside of having a child with DS

In all honesty, I don't think I'll ever be one of those parents who sees Down syndrome as a blessing in my life. I absolutely see Finn as a blessing, as I see all of my children as blessings, but if there were a cure for DS, you'd better believe that I'd be pushing and shoving and clawing my way to the front of the line.

That said, it's true that the sudden presence of DS in my life has certainly brought about some very positive things, the biggest one being the new relationships that have blossomed in my life over the last couple of months. Some relationships were already there, and have evolved: casual aquaintances who have now become true friends, and relationships that were already steadfast that have become even deeper and more meaningful. There are people whose paths I probably never would have crossed had it not been for Finn's diagnosis. And there are people whom I will probably never meet in person, but who support me by leaving caring and encouraging comments here on this blog, and by chronicling their own experiences in their own blogs and allowing me a window into their lives.

A few notable people in my life:

Laurie of Days with Dylan is a very special girl and has become very near and dear to me. She and I actually posted on the same birth board throughout our pregnancies, never paying much attention to one another, and then suddenly both of us gave birth just a little over a week apart, and both to boys diagnosed after birth with DS. Small world. Sharing this journey with you, Laurie, gives me strength, and I am very thankful.

Carla, you have been a dear and special friend for quite some time now. Thank you for sticking with me even in the face of all my "ugly" feelings. I love you!!

All the girls in my book club, but especially Jodi, Robin, Varsha, Laurel, and Lisa B. - you girls have been so wonderful and I am truly grateful for your friendship.

Sue, my midwife - what can I say? I love you!!

Shelley . . . whoever woulda thought? You've been such a source of support and comfort - thank you!

Ellen, the LC who helped me and Finn get breastfeeding on track - I can't begin to express how grateful I am.

Jennifer Graf Groneberg, author of Road Map to Holland - you're a rock star! Thank you for being so accessible and supportive!

And to everyone else who has brought a meal, lent an ear or a shoulder to cry on, offered words of wisdom and compassion, or just sat in silent understanding - "thank you" doesn't begin to express what I feel.

And last but not least, Michael - my rock. There's nobody on earth (not even Jimmy Smits or McDreamy!) who I would rather share this life with, with all its ups and downs and absolute craziness. I feel like this experience has made us even stronger together.