by Charlotte

I am usually somewhat subtle about being a mom of a special needs child.  I talked about the first year of Faith’s life in Charlotte’s Faith, but other than that, I don’t share much about the joys and sorrows associated with Faith having Down’s Syndrome.  Some days I think I would like to change that.  Today is one of those days.

Some days, being the mom of a special needs child is so wonderful, it hurts.  And other days it just hurts-  because it is painful.  One of the blogs I frequent is “Enjoying the Small Things”.  The author of it is Kelle and she had a daughter with Down’s Syndrome a year ago.  If you want to bawl your eyeballs out, read her story of Nella’s birth.  I think it pretty much sums up how we all feel about having a child with special needs.  We desperately want to love them, but at first, we’re not sure how to.  And then slowly – or rather quickly, God gives us the grace and we find we love that precious little child more than our selfish hearts ever thought possible.

Kelle is doing a fund raiser in honor of Nella’s first birthday.  If you would like to support what she is doing, that would be great.  But that’s not why I’m sending you to her blog.  No, I’m sending you to see all the beautiful children she shows with Down’s Syndrome.  Even with Kathy just down the road with little Sage…

… I sometimes think I am the only one who had been asked to travel this road. 

But I am not alone.  Many people have gone before me.  And many will follow.  My question to myself is this:  Will I make the road a little smoother for those who follow?  Will I give others the courage to face this road with boldness and joy and courage?  Or will I remain silent and let others think they,too, are the only ones to travel this road?

Oh, yes.  And here are two more beautiful Down’s Syndrome Kids to add to Kelle’s photos.

Faith…

And Sage…

We love you, girls.  We thank God for you daily, just like we do all our children.  And sometimes, maybe just a little bit more, because you are an unexpected blessing.

–Charlotte