There are statistics that tell us parents are afraid of the outcome of a child with Down syndrome.  There are doctors who tell us that life will be limited and not worth the time, money, or education spent on a child with Down syndrome.  Yes, there are those opinions, but our children are loving, sensitive individuals who want to understand their worlds and make their contributions, just as you and I do.  How do we connect with each other as parents, and for our children who have difficulty finding the right outlets to meet new friends?  The best way I can offer is to get involved as early on in your journey as possible.  Get face to face with another mom, dad, sister, brother, grandparent, friend, or any other person who has first-hand experience living with, and loving a person with Down syndrome.  Hear their stories, and fall in love, leaving insecurities behind, because that is all they are. 

When you hold your baby for the first time you see the fears you had during pregnancy were much worse than the tiny infant in your arms.  No parent knows the future of their children, and yet, parents of a child with a disability tend to want to have it all mapped out.  That is, until they start the day to day process of loving and living with their great communicators who let moms and dads know, in subtle and not so subtle ways, that their needs will be met in simple ways.  They are brilliant and effective when it comes to getting their needs met, and teaching us a lesson, or two.

What are the lessons you have learned from your child about life and love?