Our Blessing of Down syndrome and a Poem

When you have given birth to a child who has Down syndrome (or other special needs), it changes you.

Completely and fully. 

Our daughter Madalyn in the NICU right after birth and after her surgery for

Duodenal Atresia and Tracheal Esophageal Fistula

You view life in a whole new way. Nothing like you ever did before.  You join this new "club", whether you wanted to or not.  Sometimes you figure out it's a place you really kind of like to be.

For the most part. 

You have joined an exclusive group, but not by choice.  This group of folks who have experienced the same kind of grief as you... the loss of your child.  Not a physical loss, but a loss nonetheless.

Of the child you thought you were going to have.
  

All the while experiencing this joy you never knew before. Maybe you even have a little bit of guilt for having grieved at all.

Because your treasure is so amazing.

Madalyn age 1

Even through all of it, (and because of) all the things you have had to endure because of these "special needs", you realize what a gift you have.  You know you are reallly not the one who had to endure the worst of it.  She has.

Madalyn after open heart surgery at 7 months.

But you could not imagine being given a greater blessing. 

 Madalyn.  She is a sweetheart and a precious gift from above. 

I came across this sweet poem and I thought I would share it.  We continue to be so thankful our extra special blessings and as always encourage others to adopt a child with Down syndrome!  It will bless your socks off!!


Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from Earth
It was time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the Lord above --
This special child will need much love.

Her progress may be very slow
Accomplishment she may not show.
And she'll require extra care
From the folks she meets down there.

She may not run or laugh or play
Her thoughts may seem quite far away
So many times she will be labeled
'different,' 'helpless' and disabled.

So, let's be careful where she's sent.
We want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away
The leading role they are asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith, and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild
Is heaven's very special child.

by Edna Massimilla