LOVE BEYOND MEASURE

I created this video in 2015 for Ava.  It was the first year I was aware of the worldwide celebration for people with Down Syndrome.  It's definitely time for an update, but the message is timeless!  

I truly love all three of my children equally, but there is something about Ava even her brothers recognize.  She radiates light and joy wherever she goes.  She has shown us all a love beyond measure. 

I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW

I knew absolutely nothing about Down Syndrome before Ava's birth.  When I was in elementary and middle school, children with 'special needs' were segregated to one school.  By the time I reached late middle school and high school, children were more integrated into individual schools.  In the ignorance of my youth, I never took the time to consider the bright and beautiful souls longing for friendship and to be loved and valued just like everyone else.   I missed out on knowing some really amazing people.

When Ava was born, we rejoiced the birth of our first baby girl!  At the same time, our hearts were shattered into a million pieces.  I loved her fiercely and wouldn't have traded her for the whole world, but the tremendous sadness I felt over her diagnosis was overwhelming.  It seemed so incredibly unfair.  Why us?  We mourned the loss of the baby we thought we were having.  It's a grieving process most DS parents experience.  I didn't know what I didn't know.

SHOUTING HER WORTH

If I could go back and show myself the tiniest glimpse of life with Ava, I would have skipped the grieving completely.  The only tears would have been tears of joy and thanksgiving.   It's definitely what drives me to share so much of Ava's life.  I want the world to see just how beautiful, joyous, worthy and amazing life with Down Syndrome can be. 

My husband and I went through fertility treatments to conceive our twin sons.  Every year since their birth, I struggled with the desire to have more children but I just couldn't bring myself to go through that process again.  I felt blessed to have 2 sons but it always felt like something was missing.  In our 19th year of marriage, God filled that empty space to overflowing when he blessed us with Ava.  

We will keep sharing and praying our message reaches those who need it most.  We will joyfully shout her worth!

PARENTING IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

When couples are expecting, they pray for a perfect, healthy baby.  The reality is none of us are perfect.  We all have a unique journey, talents, abilities, challenges, imperfections and purpose; however, we are all worthy. 

Will your experience with Down Syndrome be all sunshine and rainbows?  Nope.

I hate to be the one to break it to you, but parenthood, no matter the child, is unpredictable and routine, stressful and joyful, exhausting and exhilarating, mundane and magnificent and oh so perfectly imperfect!  It's not for the faint of heart but the rewards far outweigh the challenges!  

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

Persons with Down Syndrome face hurdles before they are even born.  Check out this recent piece from Marc Thiessen:  Babies With Down Syndrome Have Right To Life  These disturbing statistics will probably surprise you.

Want to celebrate world Down Syndrome day?  Check out my post about crazy socks here:  Crazy Sock Day for Down Syndrome 

If you have been given a Down Syndrome diagnosis, please reach out.  There are some amazing and incredibly supportive groups on Facebook as well as groups for support during pregnancy and the first years like the:  DSDN   

Early Childhood Intervention and state and local DS groups can also be wonderful resources of support and education.

Thank you for taking the time to hear our message.  Feel free to share.  With your help, we may help one more 'Ava' brighten the world with their presence!

Duane, Carrie, Grant, Wyatt & Ava