Over 12 years ago I met a group of women who became instant friends... all because of a chromosomal abnormality. Within a period of about 6 months, we had collectively given birth to 5 baby boys and 5 baby girls who happened to have an extra 21st chromosome. We found each other and began to navigate the path of raising a child with Down syndrome together. We had playdates, Mom's nights' out together, and lots of phone conversations as we cried and laughed our way through our babies' first years of life.
We needed each other, we depended on one another, and through it all we developed a bond that has lasted for over 12yrs. now. Our times together are way more infrequent than they were back then (although we do have 2 more get togethers on the calendar already--right Kate???) but that bond remains strong. Do you know why?
Because no one else can laugh with you at the things your child does that are actually quite bizarre ,and not offend you. But THEY can, because they LIVE it, and they too have learned to LAUGH about it rather than stare and point fingers like others may choose to do.
They can truly be excited about your child's accomplishments because they too have lived through the work they KNOW it took to get your child to that milestone.
We totally "get" each other even though we rarely get to see each other. We can pick up where we left off even if it's been 2yrs. since the last reunion. We are not just a special group of friends because our kids are labelled "special needs". We are special because we are bonded by our fierce and unwavering love and advocacy for our children that society still deems as second class.
So tonight was one of those rare occasions when most of our schedules lined up to get together to enjoy a night of laughter and catching up. I enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait for the next reunion!
Mom's of kids with Ds are a pretty good-looking bunch don't you think? :)
Quick Nadia Update: Nadia's ear tube surgery has been moved to Thursday morning instead of tomorrow morning. Thanks ahead of time for your prayers!
Oh my gosh...those are the most unbelievable looking desserts!!!!!!!!! Who are all of your friends?
ReplyDeleteWere you racing to be first again????
Didn't notice the desserts due to all the hotness of the mom's around the table. haha
ReplyDeleteOh, what a blessing to have this group of moms to lean on, learn from, and laugh with. You are all indeed beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'll certainly be praying for Nadia's surgery on Thursday!
God Bless,
Kathie
I love it! I totally hear you!
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have been blessed with such an amazing group of friends who know and understand your feelings and your struggles. Those desserts do look good. Now I'm REALLY hungry. I can't focus on anything but food now. There goes my attention span :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update on Nadia and the tubes!
Praise God for such a wonderful support group!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun evening. How great of God to bring along such support when we need it.
ReplyDeleteLisa
ps-You all look great and so do your desserts!!!
Looks like you had a wonderful time! How special to share such a friendship and bond with these women.
ReplyDeleteThat dessert looks yummy! And those are a whole lot of pretty toes under that table :)
What a huge blessing they must all be in your life, my friend. Invite me next time for the desserts---I'd drive down, no problem :)
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about your blog that makes me just boo hoo?! Thank you for that lovely post, can't wait to get together again. It was a great night, I didn't want it to end!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful on the outside, yes, but there is way more beauty on the inside going around that table!!
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