The 21st of the month always makes me so happy!
I absolutely love sharing stories about Down syndrome, because my story and perspective is just one of many! Everybody has a story and each story is different. But the one thing they all have in common is fierce, unconditional love.
Today I'm going to introduce you to a wonderful mom named Maria. Maria was so inspired by her beautiful daughters that she wrote a book called "A Princess Wish" about them!
Maria and Jordan Grace
My
name is Maria Jordan MacKeigan, I wrote a children's book inspired by
my daughters. My oldest wanted a sister and when her wish came true we
found out at twenty weeks pregnant that she had a heart defect, which
was correlated with Down syndrome. Our lives couldn't be better! She has
brought us so much love and joy! Our daughter's dream came true and she
announced her sister was indeed perfect!
As parents we long for a better world for our children. We wish for a wonderful childhood filled with laughter and joy.
When
we were given a diagnosis of Down syndrome for our baby girl I feared
she wouldn't be accepted. I feared she would be ignored. I feared she
may not have friends.
We
already loved our precious baby on the way. When Jordan Grace was born
we were surprised by the things she would do. At two days old she was
lifting herself to a sitting position holding on to our thumbs. She was
rolling over at six weeks old. Each day she was showing us her sweet and
determined personality.
I've
been asked several times by friends of my daughter Ana Maria, what it's
like to have Down syndrome and what makes Jordan Grace different. My
answer to them is always the same. Jordan Grace will be able to do
anything she wants to do at her very own pace. She may be delayed in
walking or talking but her first word was "hi" when she was very young,
according to her therapists she's walking now, she takes many steps at a
time.
Regardless
of what she will do, may do or may not, we are so incredibly proud of
her. She's so social, funny, caring, loving and so much more. She
expresses herself in her own way. She is loud and clear in her message
of LOVE. We think we won the lottery and even better have a piece of
heaven in our own home.
My
message to parents is to not limit our children, we should expect more
for each child no matter what their race, colour or ability.
For
her second birthday this February I released my first book "A Princess
Wish". A story about wishes coming true in ways we don't imagine. This
story is based on my daughters. My oldest begged us for a sister, when
her wish came true she was given a sister with an extra chromosome. Her
reaction was that her sister was indeed perfect.
"A Princess Wish" was written for all little ones, I want it to be a conversation starter for parents and their children.
If
children grow up with a mind set that it's ok to be different, that we
can all learn something from each individual no matter what they look
like, I think the playground would be a safer place for all.
Every single child deserves to have a friend, to be loved and to be given a chance.
I
love to share our story to anyone who will listen and would love to
shout at the top of my lungs how blessed I am with my gift from above.
Thank you so much for sharing your sweet story, Maria! Jordan Grace is so beautiful and I love how much she inspires you!
You can find "A Princess Wish" on Amazon.
Maria's Blog / Maria's Facebook Page
Links:
Mamamia .com.au
If you would like to contribute to the Downright Blessed: Life with Down Syndrome blog series, please send an email to lexieloolilyboodylantoo@yahoo.com.

If you would like to contribute to the Downright Blessed: Life with Down Syndrome blog series, please send an email to lexieloolilyboodylantoo@yahoo.com.
Such a beautiful little girl and I love how positive her momma is. Some people wouldn't be and that's just sad. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that you have a series like this! So heartwarming to hear all the different stories!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this post. The girls are beautiful!
ReplyDelete-Amanda S.
She is beautiful! Thank you for sharing her with us.
ReplyDelete