Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Reassurance

I was contacted yesterday by my local Down Syndrome Support Group and asked if I would be willing to talk to a new mom whose son was just born on Thursday (April 16) with an extra chromosome. The mom is quite upset and would really like to talk with someone who has been there, and can offer her some reassurance.

With tears in my eyes, my reply was YES, OF COURSE, I WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO HER!

Why the tears? Because this was me. One one hand it feels like yesterday, and on the other it seems like decades ago. I can so relate to how this new mom feels. Becoming a mother for the first time is an absolutely indescribable experience.

You are meeting this little one who has been blossoming and growing inside you for 9 months, you gaze into their eyes in wonder, what did I do so right to deserve this unbelievable gift?



You hold their tiny hand, thanking God for giving you this miracle.



The emotions and feelings you have are so overwhelming, nothing else on Earth matters except this child in your arms.

When you hear the words Down syndrome when referring to this miraculous little one you don't know how to react, what to feel, what to think, what that means. You feel so alone, helpless, clueless, lost, sad, angry and guilty all at the same time (at least I did).



I have a very strong desire to do everything I can to help new moms with their feelings, whatever they may be. I truly don't want anyone to feel as alone as I did in those first few months after Cameron was born.

Today, I am extremely blessed because I know what it means that your child has an extra chromosome. It means endless hugs, kisses, love, laughter, fun and joy. It means that I will learn, see, and feel things I would never had experienced in this lifetime without that extra chromosome. It means that I now have an extended family who is on this amazing journey in Holland right there with me, both locally and worldwide.

I can't wait to meet her and her beautiful baby boy. Please pray that I am able to give her a glimpse of hope as to how absolutely wonderful her future will be beause of this little miracle and his extra chromosome.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

How wonderful! I love opportunities like these, as well!

JRS said...

It sounds like you've come a long way on your journey. I'm not sure I'm ready to take that step, yet. I'm proud of you for doing this.
---Jen

My name is Sarah said...

This is Joyce. I don't think you ever quite forget those first few months. I know I don't but so many wonderful memories start masking the pain, fear, guilt and the worst for me - the unknown. I pray for your strength as you help guide this new mother into our precious world of Ds.

Karyn said...

You will help her so much - this I know because you helped us so unbelievably much and we owe you so much because of it!

Melissa said...

I'm so glad that you have such a great opportunity!! I hope that it went well, I'm sure you did great!!
We are so blessed to have our children...everyday, I look at Dillon & see how much he's enriched my life...meaning that I would have NEVER have met all of the incredible people that I have met through the DS "world"...I have the BEST OF FRIENDS NOW!!! It's so awesome;)

Megan said...

Wow, that was beautiful!