Every day, we are blessed by many things. Some things we realize, other things we do not. Sometimes, we go for days, months or even years without even seeing or understanding the blessings we have been given. Have you ever wanted something to happen so bad that when it didn't, you were disappointed? Then, some time later, you discover that it was really for the best that things didn't turn out like you wanted? You discover it was a blessing that it didn't happen. Sometimes, we may even wonder what we did to deserve the blessing. Many times, we take these blessings for granted. We never give them a second thought. But sometimes, we are given a blessing that goes beyond the everyday. Sometimes, we are given blessings that last a lifetime.
I have been given one such blessing. His name is Bailey and he has completely changed my life and the way I see the world. My son was born in August, 2012. I never gave it a second thought that he wouldn't be just like his brothers and sister. But there was always something...different. Not in a bad way, just different. My world was turned upside down three days after birth when my midwife delivered her suspicions to me, "I think your son has Down syndrome." I had no words. I don't even remember much of what she said after that, it all became a jumble. I couldn't wait until she left so I could fall apart. Never in my life, did I imagine that this would happen. Never had I ever even allowed myself to think about such a scenario. There was no preparation. I had no idea of what it even meant. I had no idea about Down syndrome. It was one of the scariest times in my life. Little did I know, it would take seven months before we got that diagnosis. Little did I know, what an extraordinary blessing lay in those words...Down syndrome.
This blog is dedicated to the journey I am taking with this amazing little person. He is teaching me things that I never would have considered before. He is making me appreciate things that I formerly took for granted. He is teaching me patience (which I seriously lack). He is teaching me that sometimes, life doesn't follow the normal route and that is where you find the most wonderful things. He is teaching me that every person has their own abilities and potential but the way we find those abilities and potential is not the same for every person. If only I had known then, what I know now, I wouldn't have been so upset by the diagnosis, but instead rejoiced in it!! It is my hope and sincere wish that one day, I can help someone else be able to rejoice. The fear that I felt that day was overwhelming. I wish someone had been there to tell me that everything would be OK and that life was only going to be better than I ever imagined. I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.
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