I feel like our family has passed a milestone in the last few days.The four of us went out to Stillwater on Saturday, a gorgeous fall day that felt more like summer than October. The town was packed as is often the case, especially when the colors of the changing trees are at their peak. Ian took in all the new sights and Silvi ran and jumped, more fascinated by the spiders along the river than anything else. We stayed until it was dark, watching the river boats, lit up like Christmas trees, make their way up and down the St. Croix river.
On Sunday we attended the Buddy Walk, a last minute decision - literally. I'm not big on gatherings and Annie was afraid that it would be too much too soon, but at 10:30 we decided to attend the 12pm event. We didn't participate in the 1-mile walk. We ended up parking nearly a mile away, and Ian was screaming for food when we finally arrived. While Annie found a secluded spot to feed Ian, Silvi jumped in the bouncy castle and stalked the clowns, giggling. The event must have been attended by over 1000 people.
And so the milestone is this: Life does not end with a Down syndrome diagnosis. Our family time by the river on Saturday was just as meaningful with a son with Down as it would have been otherwise. Seeing all the children playing and laughing at the Buddy Walk gave us a glimpse into a possible future for Ian.
Life is good.
7 comments:
I'm glad you all went. I wouldn't have been that brave or adventurous! There's a new book out called "Theology & Down Syndrome" by Amos Young. It just came out. I have no clue if it's any good but sounds interesting. It's available on Amazon. Although I'm sure you have more than enough reading material!! And other things to do!!
Hello there, I hope you don't mind me peeping in. I was looking up Down syndrome blogs and saw yours. Congratulations on your son, he is adorable. I have a 3 yr old son with Ds. I hope his heart repair goes well this month. I don't know if you know of this, but there is a wonderful book called "Gifts: Mother's reflect on how children with Ds enrich their lives" that you might find comfort reading.
I am glad you went. I was nervous about going to our first family gathering, but it ended up being a very positive experience. And you are right - life does go on.
Oh Tom, I'm so happy you guys went and had a good time at the buddy walk. Driving there I said to my husband wouldn't it be neat to see you there (i've told him about you all :) and we are praying for Ian together) We looked for you but hey all those people..no luck..That was a beautiful pic of your kids the other day, and again we are praying for Ian and all those wonderful dr. and nurses and for peace for mom and dad :) God Bless you all ~Monica~
Lori: I bought the book the day it came out; I blogged about it a week or so ago.
Sunflowermom: Thanks for popping in and the congrats. I've been meaning to pick up a copy of that book - it comes highly recommended. Thanks!
Karen: The hardest part was just getting in the car and making ourselves go. Once we got there it was fine.
Monica: Sorry we missed you all. We spent most of the time by the bouncy castle, Silvi's favorite thing to do. I hope you had a good walk and fun with yours. And thanks for the prayers.
I'm glad to hear that you guys went! I'm so happy to read about your milestone!!
This made me grin from ear to ear.
What a milestone, not to get someplace "extraordinary" but to find yourself alive in the normal, ordinary, having a good time with the family kind of day.
There is life after. . .all things, even this.
Post a Comment