My Little Angel

I was asked by a friend of mine to write a letter about Chelsea and some of the wonderful things that come with raising a child with Down syndrome. She had encountered someone who was faced with a prenatal diagnosis of Ds and had been encouraged to terminate. I know that all of our children are different, whether they have Down syndrome or not, there is no umbrella that could predict the personality or health of a child with or without Ds. I hope no one thinks that I am conveying all children with Down syndrome are like Chelsea, they are as different from one another as you and I. I only want to give this mother just a little bit of hope. This is only a small piece of MY daughter and why I love her so much. I thought I'd share this letter with you.

I wanted to write you a quick note to tell you about my precious little angel. Her name is Chelsea, and she was born just over two years ago, with Down syndrome. We didn't know until after she was born, and we were devestated. Our devestation QUICKLY turned into joy as we learned just how special she was. We faced people, therapists, books, and articles that constantly stereotyped children with Down syndrome. The funny thing is though, everything they said she couldn't, or wouldn't do, she's done. She was rolling over at 6 weeks, which is a miracle for a child with "low" muscle tone. She used her first sign "milk" at 8 months, she crawled at one year and was walking by 18 months. Everyday she learns new things, and everyday she teaches us new things. Never has there been an educator, therapist or medical professional that hasn't been blown away by this little girl. There isn't a child, a woman, a grandparent, or a stranger that can resist her smile. She lights up every room she enters. I've had so many people tell me, "wow, she's just like a 'normal' kid"... SHE IS A NORMAL KID! I can't stress that enough, our children are more alike than they are different. She is my angel, I don't think I could live without her. She has changed me forever. I am a better rmother, wife, and friend because of Chelsea. She kisses me for picking her up, or for giving her a book, or just for walking in the door. My husband and I often talk about how strange it is that people feel sorry for us because our daughter has Down syndrome. After having her in our lives for two years, we wonder WHY anyone would want a child WITHOUT Down syndrome. You can't special order these kiddos, I truly believe we (all parents of children w/ Ds) are the luckiest people in the world.



(My mom, Grandma Barb, blowing bubbles w/ Chelsea.)