Tens of thousands of families with children with Down syndrome as well as people with Down syndrome are wearing T-21 tee shirts, mismatched socks, and donning yellow and blue for Down syndrome awareness day. Me, I am sharing others' posts and liking lots and lots of statuses, but beyond that I am a wall flower at this great big wonderful party. You can read lots of these great stories at the "Day in the Life" series.
So today I am not wearing a T-21 tee shirt or mismatched
socks, I am in Boulder picking my son up for spring break. I did not bring
yellow or blue, and doubt I will even see anyone who is wearing anything related
to Down syndrome today. Today I am merely a mom of three incredible, amazing
kids. Yes, we have been graced by Down syndrome and yes it was my life for 20
years, but it is not anymore.
My “day in the life” has passed. I have no idea what will
happen when Alex graduates in 2017 and I can’t worry about that now. But for
tens of thousands of other families World Down Syndrome Day is important and the
awareness these parents are creating today is unmeasurable. I applaud each and
every effort as I sit here, take a deep breath and rest. Alex and I did it….we got through school, got
through graduation and got to college. It was an amazing journey and kept me on
my toes for twenty years, but today I rest and save my energy for the future. I’m
sure I will need it.
Today we were noted as number five in the top seven things about Down syndrome in Tiffany’s blog. Check it out and
note the reference to our book. It is geared for young families and shares our
journey. It may be meaningful to you.
5. College opportunities! Did you know that there are over 250 college programs nationwide that are tailored for kids just like Ellie? How awesome is that? In the weeks after I had Ellie I reached out to the Down syndrome support group on Babycenter, and met Margaret "Gary" Bender. Her daughter Alex is AMAZING. Alex is now 20 and last year she won the bronze medal for downhill skiing in the Special Olympics in S. Korea. Today she is a freshman at the University of Cincinnati in the TAP Program. I read Gary's book From Grief to Celebration in the first month of Ellie's life and it was so encouraging and uplifting for me. It was just what I needed at the time to realize Ellie's future is so bright. Alex is such an amazing role model and I'm grateful for mothers like Gary who have paved the way for new moms like me. What a community of support! There's a great site to find college programs for special needs in your area called Think College. I'm thinking Oregon State needs a program like this.... who knows what'll be available in 17 years ;) (GO BEAVS!)
Today I am going to celebrate what we have accomplished and
how Alex is living her life just like she wants. Alex creates awareness every day..... All
by herself.
If you have not liked our page, it is a good way to stay on top of the ups and downs of college (and inclusive education) for a person with a development/intellectual disability. I have no idea what is going to happen....but I will share the good and the bad. Please click on
The Ordinary Life of an Extraordinary Girl
If you have not liked our page, it is a good way to stay on top of the ups and downs of college (and inclusive education) for a person with a development/intellectual disability. I have no idea what is going to happen....but I will share the good and the bad. Please click on
I can't figure out the hop pinky but hey, I'm so happy to have met you! I always share your book with everybody and anybody.
ReplyDeleteHey, I didn't know your separated? Truly, your doing okay? It's been a heck of a couple of years I did know that. Hugs, you are one strong lady.
Thank Lisa - and back at you!! Yes, things have been very tough and my spirit is low - but heck Ill get through it. Thanks for the virtual hugs (they always help)
DeleteI'm with starrlife; I didn't realize you had separated and I also hope you're doing well with a truly empty nest now!
ReplyDeleteYou might have thought you were resting on WDSD, but you got this post out, so you did something about it after all :) Great post, by the way.
Thank Michelle, life is getting better and yes I guess I did not rest on WDSD - but then again how could I?
DeleteI didn't realize about your separation either, but I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter, no matter what came before.
ReplyDeleteJust loved your post. I hope and dream that in twenty years, I'll be writing something similar. If I do, it'll be thanks to mamas like you who came before me. xo
Thanks so much for your kind words. I am looking forward to a new chapter...but getting through the preface is challenging! Yes, you will write a post very similar to mine in 20 years and although all our kids have different futures...they DO have futures of promise!
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