Faith, not Fear... From the heart of a special needs mother

Looking back 17 years ago to what seemed like a dark road, in the beginning, Has opened my eyes and my heart ten thousand fold to the world that I never knew existed.

At 6 months pregnant with my little girl , diagnosed with Down Syndrome AKA Trisonomy 21. I was quickly encouraged to "delete the pregnancy and wipe the slate clean" that I would "ruin my life if I went through with the pregnancy", that she may not make it past 7 months of the pregnancy and that she may be stillborn. I was told that she would not have a quality life, people will stare at her and judge me for bringing her into this world, that her mental capacity would only reach so high and that she would be a burden. These comments were mostly and sadly not only from strangers... but I chose not to believe the lie. This took an amazing amount of faith and walks with God, not all pleasant and beautiful...but tearful, fearful, angry walks with God and then came the surrender when I gave her to Him.. all of her... and realized I was just the one God entrusted her to.

Is our life quality, no, it's extraordinary! do people stare at her, yes.. so I make that a perfect situation to start a conversation and turn it around. Have people judged me, yes, of course, but I believe it is a reflection of their own fears, we all fear the unknown at certain points in our lives.

Has her mental capacity only gone to a certain point...I don't know? so far she keeps amazing me by maturing more, comprehending more and learning more every day.

My friends, Don't believe the lie, when others tell you what your life is going to look like, If you believe in God let Him orchestrate it...whatever your situation is... When we as people feel loved, adored, needed and valued we can fly :) Let's let our kids and loved ones know they are loved, adored, needed and that they are priceless, no matter what their "diagnosis " is, then stand back and watch them soar.

Have a beautiful day and make today and every day Extraordinary :)

From the heart of a special needs mother :)