Our Five Ring Circus: Downright Blessed: Life with Down Syndrome

Monday, September 21, 2015

Downright Blessed: Life with Down Syndrome

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! 

Downright Blessed Life With Down Syndrome

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.

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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.

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 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.

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 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.

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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


10 comments:

  1. Love the pictures. What a great idea for a series. Beautiful words!

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  2. I 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!

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  3. Beautiful beautiful words for a beautiful beautiful boy. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  4. He is so sweet. What an amazing family!
    Sandy

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  5. Such a beautiful story and beautiful words. Excited to read the stories in this series.

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