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If the time ever comes when you have to stand up for your
child, people may label you as passionate, zealous, or even irrational. You will be judged by people who don't really know you and they will attribute motives to your actions, without understanding your heart. But, still, you will know that you must do what is best for your child.
A good friend once shared with me her father's favorite
wise saying- "Things are a matter of mind over matter. The people who matter, don't mind. The people who mind, don't matter." Keep this in mind whenever you are misunderstood and misjudged. You are the one raising your child, and you alone will know what is best.
Many people will not understand what you are going
through. How could they? Did they face the anxiety of an echocardiogram to detect heart defects on their newborn? Do they know the fear of an annual leukemia test? Can they comprehend the dread of atlanto-axial instability? Do they sit around and wish for scientists to solve the mysterious effects of the over expression of the superoxide dimutase gene on the 21st chromosome? None of us would know the intricacies of this journey, if we were not travelling the path ourselves.
But,take heart, you will have people close to you who will
understand and support you, even if the rest of the world questions you. And, you will be supported by the multitude of parents of children with disabilities, who are connected to you with invisible threads. We all stand together, with you, and can help you on your journey. When you go through trials, we will know what you are going through. I will know what you're going through.
I will understand because I know a wonderful little boy
with Down syndrome. His name is Benjamin. And he's not just anyone, he's my son. |
