My last blog post was our diagnosis story with Leo. For this one, I thought I would get the perspective of some family members and friends who were also affected by the news. I mentioned last post that after receiving his diagnosis I read an article with quotes from family members who had a loved one with Down Syndrome in their life. It helped me so much in my journey to embrace Leo’s extra chromosome. So, I thought I would pay it forward.
I think it’s safe to say that when we shared Leo’s diagnosis initially, most of our loved ones, if not all, felt some sort of pity. Heck, the truth is I felt pity for myself too, although I tried extremely hard not to. I know that they loved him even before he was born and they were all so incredibly supportive from the beginning, but the elephant in the room was there. Although they never outwardly said, “I’m sorry,” it was felt either for us, for Leo, or for our family. Leo ‘s dad and I were told that we were being strong. People told us that if they were in our position, they probably wouldn’t be handling it as well as we were. Fast forward to present day, I think it’s safe to say that everyone who has had any sort of interaction with Leo would agree that there is nothing to feel sorry about.
Before reaching out to some of Leo’s loved ones for this post, I knew that the answers to the question I was about to ask them would clearly demonstrate just how much love and growth Leo has brought to those in his life. It just shows that there really is nothing down about it.
I asked our family and friends, “From the day we told you Leo would be born with Down Syndrome up to now, what is one thing his life has taught you.” They answered knowing it was anonymous. Here are some of their responses. I hope it sheds light on the fact that a Down Syndrome diagnosis is nothing to feel sorry about.
“Where to start…He has taught me about inclusion. We are all more alike than different. He has also taught me to smile more. I am reminded to smile and be happy every time I see that beautiful infectious smile. He makes my world a better place.”
“To always be happy! God has his plan with each of us, and we are given the strength to overcome all obstacles with the positive support of one another.”
“You can’t plan everything in life and the best things in life come when you least expect it. Also, not to sweat the small stuff and just be happy.”
“Not to sweat the small stuff…He brings me and everyone pure joy! I can’t help but smile ear to ear when I see him. Life is so precious (:”
“How important it is to smile and be happy. One smile from him and my day is so much brighter. His smiles are so genuine it’s like they come from his heart.”
“Leo’s life has taught me how sweet life should and could be. He’s taught me that he can and will do anything he sets his wonderful little mind to do. I truly feel extra lucky that he is a part of my life.”
“That no matter how many chromosomes you have each child has their own personality, their own characteristics, but are all the same little humans with needs and feelings.”
“Educate yourself on the unknown: Observe and behold the positivity abounding in his spirit of life.”
“Leo always reminds me to smile more! He has taught me to take things less seriously and to appreciate what’s really important in life.”
“You can never take anything for granted because life can at any point throw you a curveball and all you can do is trust in God’s plan.”
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