We all have a story to share. Liam's story is just one of many. Every story deserves a chance to be heard!
A few months ago, an idea began to form. I wanted to share some of my favorite families with my readers. I reached out to a few people, and that idea became a reality. I am so excited to introduce the Downright Blessed: Life with Down Syndrome series! Every month, on the 21st, you will get to meet an amazing child who is blessed with an extra chromosome and their equally amazing families!
Down syndrome is an often misunderstood genetic condition. Through all these stories, we hope to bring more awareness, educate, and inspire! The bottom line? We are just families living a life like any other! We have hopes, we have dreams, and we truly believe we are downright blessed!
Shortly after Liam was born, I turned to other blogs. One of those blogs I discovered was Our Dream Come True.
Baker took my breath away and Jenn's words gave me so much hope.
Whenever I felt a sliver of doubt start to creep in, I turned to Jenn's
blog. Baker always took those fears and doubts away.
I knew that Jenn would be the perfect person to kick off the series! I have no doubt that Jenn's words will bring you to tears and that you will fall in love with this truly beautiful little boy!
Hi! I am
Jenn. I am captivated by grace, crazy in love with my hunk of a husband, and
mommy to Baker and Barrett. I blog at www.ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com about life, love, and faith.
Around here, it’s not always perfect, it’s not always pretty, but it’s always
my dream come true.
When
Stefanie asked me to do a guest post to kick off a new series about Down
Syndrome, I was overjoyed at the honor of sharing the story of our boy.
Our
Baker Boy.
I Never Knew I Wanted a Child
with Down Syndrome Until I Had One
I had a dream this
past week that Baker woke up without Down Syndrome.
Like his extra
chromosome was absorbed into his plush minky sheets.
Or as if the sandman
had carted it off in his knapsack and tucked it beside the lavender he used for
lulling.
It was gone.
Kaput.
Vamoose.
His beautiful eyes
still boasted their autumn pools, but lacked the almond slant that never fails
to draw me in and captivate my whole being.
His tongue
remained tucked obediently inside his cheek, not once lagging like it does on
occasion, especially when he is focusing so intently.
His hands hung
by his side not in front of his face for signing, as words bounded from his lips
articulate and coherent and utterly foreign.
As I reached in
to hug him, his body did not collapse into mine, as is my very favorite thing
about Baker - the way his low muscle tone makes him puddle into my eager
embrace.
He was stiff.
Solid.
Strong.
His steps did
not waiver, not once did his balance falter. He was sure footed and walked with
a stability his little body has never known.
In that instant, he
became a typical child.
Gone were the thoughts of IEPs
Therapies were tossed
into oblivion.
His struggles became
successes.
The specialists on
speed dial were no more.
I sat abruptly
in bed. Tears streaming. Faint whimpers escaped my lips.
I navigated through
the dark room and padded the familiar steps to Baker's bed.
I picked him up and felt
his warm body fold sleepily into mine.
It was
just a dream.
He was still the same
Baker Boy I had read Let me Hold You Longer mere hours earlier, while
his little body relaxed and his eyes grew heavy.
He was still the same
Baker Boy I had rocked and sang "This Little Light of Mine," and to
seal the deal, "You are My Sunshine.”
Nothing had changed.
Everything had
changed.
I never knew I
wanted a child with Down Syndrome until I had one.
No truer words have
ever been spoken.
He is loved
exactly the way he is.
He is one of our
Creator's greatest masterpieces.
He was crafted in
love.
He was knit together
wonderfully.
He is a joy spreader,
a light brightener, a glad giver.
Being his mother is
the greatest blessing.
Watching his life
bring glory to our Jesus is an incredible gift.
Just the way
you are, sweet Baker, we love you just the way you are.
"For we know
that in all things, Christ works for the good of those who love Him, who have
been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
You can
read more at www.ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com
Follow Jenn on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Our-Dream-Come-True-105636969630448/timeline/
Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenngbell/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenngbell
Pinterest
- https://www.pinterest.com/jennifergbell/
Love the pictures. What a great idea for a series. Beautiful words!
ReplyDeleteHe is a beautiful little boy!
DeleteI love this series; what an amazing idea and what beautiful words. Both you and Jenn are very inspirational--what incredible moms and what incredible little ones with a whole lot of love to give!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Annette!
DeleteBeautiful beautiful words for a beautiful beautiful boy. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love the way Jen writes about her beautiful boy!
DeleteHe is so sweet. What an amazing family!
ReplyDeleteSandy
He is so adorable!!!
DeleteSuch a beautiful story and beautiful words. Excited to read the stories in this series.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to share all the stories! XOXO
Delete