I have one of these extraordinary beings. I am so glad you were there to talk to Carol when Andrew was born. The neonatologist said “I’m sorry” like someone died. Another doctor told me not to expect much when I said I planned to breastfeed my son. He nursed for 10 months. I get doctors and nurses are so busy - especially in the NICU where I logged 60 days with my first and 21 with my second. But I also believe it is a place of miracles - just like you shared here. Thank you!
Oh Emily, thank you for this. Your efforts to be a normal mom to your special baby are wonderful. I watched Carol grow stronger day by day and year by year as she took care of Andrew and his sister. She taught me so much about being a mother.
About talking to parents when babies are born with some unexpected malformation or limiting condition - all I can say is that I talked to moms and dads the way I would want to be talked to, with compassion and empathy. There is no greater shock than discovering something is “wrong” with your child.
An amazing story! Thank you for sharing! Carol and her son were lucky to have each other. I always love taking care of babies with Trisomy 21. They are invariably the absolute sweetest.
I am a mom of seven and am fortunate enough to have been blessed with one with DS. He is the light of my life. I never expected him to be a typical child, so I don’t think I have ever experienced an “It’s so hard” parenting moment with him…only with my “normal” children! For me, here is what’s hard: watching your children struggle with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts; waiting for teenagers to come home, wondering if they are being safe; navigating drug and alcohol use; knowing when to step in and when to step back. With my son with DS (now 25) there is none of this. His simplicity is his superpower.
He is our teacher, and we all know how lucky we are to have him living among us.
thanks, Kathleen. Carol is still working in the NICU, and she still worries about who will care for Andrew after she is gone. She has been the best mother of a special needs child that I have EVER encountered. Thanks for your feedback!
I have one of these extraordinary beings. I am so glad you were there to talk to Carol when Andrew was born. The neonatologist said “I’m sorry” like someone died. Another doctor told me not to expect much when I said I planned to breastfeed my son. He nursed for 10 months. I get doctors and nurses are so busy - especially in the NICU where I logged 60 days with my first and 21 with my second. But I also believe it is a place of miracles - just like you shared here. Thank you!
Yes yes yes . Hi friend!
Oh Emily, thank you for this. Your efforts to be a normal mom to your special baby are wonderful. I watched Carol grow stronger day by day and year by year as she took care of Andrew and his sister. She taught me so much about being a mother.
About talking to parents when babies are born with some unexpected malformation or limiting condition - all I can say is that I talked to moms and dads the way I would want to be talked to, with compassion and empathy. There is no greater shock than discovering something is “wrong” with your child.
An amazing story! Thank you for sharing! Carol and her son were lucky to have each other. I always love taking care of babies with Trisomy 21. They are invariably the absolute sweetest.
Their parents have a life view that is uplifting and inspirational. They somehow “know” what is important and grow into being blessed by their child.
Amen! Thanks for saying this!
I am a mom of seven and am fortunate enough to have been blessed with one with DS. He is the light of my life. I never expected him to be a typical child, so I don’t think I have ever experienced an “It’s so hard” parenting moment with him…only with my “normal” children! For me, here is what’s hard: watching your children struggle with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts; waiting for teenagers to come home, wondering if they are being safe; navigating drug and alcohol use; knowing when to step in and when to step back. With my son with DS (now 25) there is none of this. His simplicity is his superpower.
He is our teacher, and we all know how lucky we are to have him living among us.
Such a beautiful observation about your son and his gift. Thank you for sharing that with us.
A beautiful story showing that every child is beautiful and precious.
Down’s Lives Matter.
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Yes yes yes. Let all celebrate world Down syndrome day. My sweet baby, Sammy, is a living testimony of miracles…. Thanks for sharing !
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
This year World Down Syndrome Day is on Friday. Friday is March 21st "3.21". 💙💛💙
Beautiful story 🤍
Thank you for sharing this.
thanks, Kathleen. Carol is still working in the NICU, and she still worries about who will care for Andrew after she is gone. She has been the best mother of a special needs child that I have EVER encountered. Thanks for your feedback!