Posts Tagged ‘down syndrome’
Awareness Days Shouldn’t be the Only Days We Talk About Disabilities
Today is World Down Syndrome Day. I am going to make a statement that I know is controversial. People may come at me in the comments. But anyone that knows me knows I am honest, sometimes to a fault. I hate disability awareness days. Wait. Before you take your shock and disgust to the comments, let me explain. I have built my career, my character, who I am and what I stand for, on advocating for those with disabilities. All individuals with disabilities. Not every disability has an awareness day.…
Read MoreDOWN SYNDROME & AUTISM: DUAL DIAGNOSIS
Fifth grade holiday concert. I found the perfect soft corduroy pants with a hidden elastic waistband and comfy red pullover that you will tolerate. We rehearsed the songs endlessly at home for weeks. You teacher assured me you have been practicing the song all week in the gymnasium and will have a para escorting you through the whole program. We anxiously wait in the audience – a sea of parents with cellular cameras and camcorders rolling. Maybe I can get a good shot of you to put on the holiday…
Read More30 Reasons I’m Grateful I Get to Parent a Child with a Disability
* Because there’s a fierceness in my heart that wasn’t there before. * They’ve taught me what relentless love looks like. * They’ve introduced me to an amazing community of moms and dads who are tender fighters. * They rescued me from a pointless path to pursuing perfection. * They’ve taught me speed isn’t everything. * They’ve taught me to speak up. * Because they give the best hugs. * Through them, I’ve experienced what pure joy is. * They’ve shown me the value in being different. * Because of…
Read MoreDo You Ever Wonder?
“Do you ever still wonder what he would be like if he didn’t have Down syndrome?” She asked. It was an honest question from a new friend. She is several years behind me in this journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome. I vividly remember being where she is now. I remember feeling like the odd one out amongst family and friends- I was the 20-something who had a child with a disability. I watched as their children hit the milestones at the appointed time on that now dreaded…
Read MoreA Different Life is Not a Less Life
A Colorado Kindergarten teacher allegedly said the following on social media: I’m so tired of hearing about special needs children…They were re****** before COVID and they’ll still be re****** after…Do you really think they will be any different after staying a year at home with their parents…Sorry, you f***** got pregnant and had a re****** kid. Your problem not mine. And yes, I’m a f****** teacher. Of course, this is despicable. The school board is moving towards dismissing him. Still, special needs parents are posting the story. Why? Because it…
Read MoreHow I Forgive
Did you see that story about that school in New Jersey who left a student with Down Syndrome out of the yearbook? Her name is Glenda. She is twenty-one years old, and the youngest of five kids. Her sister wrote a long, detailed post about it on Facebook. It was a good post. “Glenda is very active in the school and community, so from her perspective, it was really hard for her to understand why she wasn’t included.” My name is Carrie. I have a son with autism. His name…
Read MoreDad adopts girl with Down syndrome who was rejected by 20 families
Long before I became a mother I attended a lunch-and-learn about adoption. At the time I worked for an amazing social services organization as a Project Manager. They also offered adoption services. I loved kids. I wanted to learn more. I also wanted lunch. As I sat there I learned about the insane costs and time that goes into adopting a child. Story after story of parents fighting for babies. The exhausting and emotional process was laid out for us. I learned that everyone wanted a baby. I learned that…
Read MoreThe Message The Today Show Sent about Healthy Babies
If you run in the special needs parenting circles you’ve heard about the segment The Today Show did on how big of a relief it was for the former Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and her husband to get the test results back that their baby did not have Down Syndrome and was “genetically healthy”. I actually was watching The Today Show the morning it was aired. One thing I thought was a bit distasteful was how they were teasing it up in the promos. Like, tune in, hopefully there is…
Read MoreSuddenly, We Hoped for a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome
Life can throw you curveballs. Things can change in an instant and take your life in a direction that you never expected. My second pregnancy was riddled with endless nausea. Life was hectic, and there wasn’t time to stop – I worked full time (I managed to drive to work while vomiting in a plastic bag), and had an energetic one-year old. My belly was much larger this time around also. At my 34th week OB visit, the doc mentioned I was measuring as if I were two weeks overdue,…
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