World Down Syndrome Day–My Life Has Changed

People insinuate that my life must be dramatically different than it was before Cody was born. That my life is on a different path because I have a child with Down Syndrome. That I wasn’t able to fulfill dreams because Cody was born.

You know what?

They’re right!

Not only did my life change because I now had TWO small children, but my life changed because *I* changed!

When I became a mom for the first time when DJ was born, something changed in me. Something made me stop caring about climbing that corporate (or whatever it was) ladder. My priority became raising a child and making sure I was there for all the firsts. I never in a million years would have thought I would want to be a stay at home mom, but that’s ALL I wanted to do when DJ was born.

When Cody was born 3 years later, I changed again.

Not only did I now have 2 children depending on me. I had this pull inside me to make a difference. A difference for what? I had NO IDEA!

When Cody was about 2, that “aha” moment came to me.

Shortly after taking a photograph workshop with Me Ra Koh, I had that big AHA moment to specialize in photographing children with special needs. It became a mission to show the world just how beautiful EVERYONE is regardless of their ability or disability.

I am not looking to become a famous photographer or a household name.

I just want to be a photographer that is making a difference.

Last year during my hand stamped jewelry purchasing craze, I decided to jump into creating hand stamped jewelry. Just like photography, it started as a hobby that quickly launched into a business. It has given me a means to donate to Down Syndrome organizations in a way I was not able to do before.

For that I am thankful.

So YES, my life has changed because I have a child with Down Syndrome.

For lack of a better phrasing, I have a bigger purpose. I have this need to advocate for both my boys. To build awareness to protect Cody and to build tolerance so that DJ doesn’t have to explain to his peers that his brother is “different”.

Would I change this life? No way!!!

I like this person that I am now and the goals that I have my eyes set on. My pre-mommy goals were about me. My goals now just keep improving who I am.

My dreams are now beyond me and I see the difference it is making in other people’s lives.

I wouldn’t trade THAT for anything!