If you have a child with Down syndrome, you will

This is an old post that I did. It was right after Kamdyn turned a year old. It's nice to go back and look at these old posts. To see where I was, how far I've come. And Kamdyn was pretty adorable.

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If you have a child with Down syndrome

.............you will cry, and you will wonder why you were chosen for this.

Then, you will realize that you can give the most important thing, the thing that reaches above any circumstance, any health issue, any physical need.  You can give love.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

..............you will feel so guilty.  You will wonder what you did.  You will fear that your other children will suffer for it.

Then, you realize that this little life was meant to be a part of your life, because she will fill a place in your heart.  You will see how blessed your other children will be to have this experience.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

..............you will not want anyone to know, and the thought of anyone talking about your child will be like a knife piercing your heart.

Then, you will get so tired of telling everyone that you will just go to that one big-mouthed person, who you know will tell everyone, so that you won't have to tell anyone else.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

..............you will wonder if your conversations will ever include a topic that does not have to do with Down syndrome.

It will.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

..............you will want to sign her up for every therapy and service that is available, and you will spend countless hours on the phone and researching so that you don't miss anything.

Utilize your pediatrician, Early Intervention Service coordinator, therapists, and local Down syndrome group.  Between them, you will get it all figured out.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

...............you will worry about your child not meeting milestones and being "behind" other children her age,

but you will rejoice more over every milestone and accomplishment.  With each triumph, your whole family with gather around and cheer.  It will bring a closeness to your family that cannot be matched any other way.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

...........you will go through a period of time, when you feel like your life is revolving around doctor's appointment.

It will settle down.  If you have the opportunity to have your child's care provided by a system of doctor's, you can schedule more than one appointment on one day.  Remember to schedule well in advance, though.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

................you will completely over analyze the comments that people make.

Then, you will realize that the majority of people are well meaning, and you really can't fault someone for not getting it, because it wasn't long ago that you didn't "get it" either.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

..............you will be so excited to meet other parents, who have a child with Down syndrome.

You will meet some of the most inspiring and kindest people you have ever met.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

...............you will feel completely inadequate.

But you are not.  You are capable.  And God's grace is sufficient.  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

If you have a child with Down syndrome

...............you will feel like you will never go back to the way things "used to be".

And in a way, they won't, because it will be so much better.  But you will still enjoy the same things, and you will find order and peace in your life again.  (Although, it's hard to find any order or peace with 4 kids, but it's not because of Down syndrome.)

If you have a child with Down syndrome

.............you will see the world in a way that you never saw it.  Your eyes will be opened to a kind of love that brings light and sunshine to your day, and you will cherish every moment of it.

If you have a child with Down syndrome

.............you will open the door to a beautiful secret, but I can't tell you or it wouldn't be a secret.  You don't see it right away, but you will know when you find it ; )