March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) and The IDSC is celebrating in a BIG way. They started with a meet up the weekend of March 1st then released the WDSD “Who I Am” video on March 9th. Have you seen it yet? If not, it is a must see!
The IDSC is closing out WDSD with a celebration in Memphis on March 23rd. If you are local to the area please try to attend.
----------
On World Down Syndrome Day I will be celebrating my son, Cody. Yup, he was “AWESOMELY ME” in the video and shaking what his mommy gave him.
For months, we waited, stressed, prayed, and anticipated this little man’s arrival.
It had been a loooong 4 months since finding out that he had Down syndrome as well as the congenital heart defect, Tetralogy of Fallot. Every worse scenario popped into my head as I counted down to the c-section and the open heart surgery that was to follow his birth.
My worries and anxieties fell away when this beautiful boy was born. He was born screaming and crying. Nothing like what the doctors had anticipated.
2006
The first year was the most difficult and stressful because of his heart surgery then hospitalization for respiratory distress.
From there, he began to grow, physically, mentally and independently. It hasn’t been a road full of rainbows and unicorns, but we roll with what comes at us and in the end, we always make it out with smiles.
He has a big brother that adores him and respects him. He has taught his brother to be compassionate to others and to not judge based on abilities or disabilities. I am proud of both of them for that!
2006
He has taught us to be more positive and to smile through the good and especially the bad. He is our biggest cheerleader and cheers with a smile and an enthusiastic “awesome!”.
2007
He reminds us constantly that having Down syndrome doesn’t make him different. We, along with everyone that loves him, sees him as Cody and nothing less.
2008
2008
His zest for life is contagious!
2009
His passion and persistence to learn inspires me to do the same and to keep on pursuing my dreams. When I need a kick in the butt or a dose of inspiration, I think of him!
2010
I am pretty confident that there isn’t anything he can’t do. It may take him extra time to master it, but he WILL do it!
2011
2011
He is growing and learning so much these days. When we moved here last February, he only recognized his upper case letters.
He is now reading about 60 words, can count up to 60 and knows basic addition.
I am a proud mom!
2012
People always tell me that God gives you what you can handle and that is why I was given Cody.
Sometimes I appreciate the sentiment, but other times I despise it because some say it in a matter that implies that life is difficult because I have a child with Down Syndrome.
Life definitely changed when Cody was born. It wasn’t because of his diagnosis. It was because we all changed as a family….for the better.
Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
No comments:
Post a Comment