There are moments when I lose sight of the fact that my son has Down syndrome. It’s all too easy to get caught up in his lively two-year-old antics, his cheeky grin, and his unyielding spirit. Leo is both tenacious and compassionate. When his older sister is in the throes of a dramatic meltdown—complete with tears and cries of “it’s the end of the world!”—he’s the first to rush over and comfort her. He loves to climb into laps, gently reaching out to stroke cheeks, his way of expressing “I love you.”
Of course, he also has his share of mischief; he opens drawers, scatters toys everywhere, and throws things on the floor. When confronted, he ducks his head and peeks up with a sheepish grin, as if to say, “Sorry.” Sometimes he helps clean up, but more often, he’s off to cause more chaos. Music is his jam, and once he hears a tune, he can’t help but dance. No matter how upset he was moments before, he’ll join in a round of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” with infectious joy. Leo can turn anything into a musical moment, even dancing along to the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Sometimes I forget that he has Down syndrome, simply because he is Leo. When I look at him, I don’t see a diagnosis; I see my son, his sister’s brother—a sweet, determined little boy with a vibrant spirit.
Confronting Misunderstandings
However, there are times when reminders come in unkind ways. Like that cashier who shot me a pitying glance and whispered, “I bet you wish you’d known before he was born. They have tests for that now…” A wave of shock, anger, and hurt surged through me. I imagined pulling her over the counter and giving her a piece of my mind. But instead, I opted for wit.
With a smile that must have looked slightly unhinged, I replied, “Right? It’s SO much tougher to get rid of them after they’re born. Believe me, I’ve tried…” Her jaw dropped in disbelief. I leaned closer and whispered, “So it’s acceptable to terminate when they’re inside, but not once they’re out? For me, there’s no distinction. Just so you know, we were fully informed during my pregnancy. There’s no way I would let any harm come to my children, regardless of how society views them.”
I sometimes forget that others don’t see Leo as I do; they see a child with “Down syndrome.” They view us—his parents and his protective sister—as a burden. They imagine a child who must be suffering, incapable of joy or potential. I forget, until I catch a glimpse of pity in their eyes or overhear their misguided remarks.
It’s important to recognize that it’s not their fault; they simply don’t understand. They don’t know the weight of their words. They haven’t experienced Leo’s contagious laughter or the warmth of his smile. They haven’t witnessed the fierce love his sister has for him, despite her declarations of disliking “boy babies.” They don’t cheer at his milestones, their hearts swelling with pride.
Changing Perspectives
There was a time when I, too, was uninformed. What I understood about Down syndrome before Leo was limited to textbook definitions that left me feeling despondent, picturing a listless child. I didn’t know.
In the end, to us, he’s just Leo—an extraordinary little boy, full of life and love. And that’s how it should always be.
Resources for Further Information
For additional information on home insemination, check out this great resource on intrauterine insemination. If you’re considering at-home options, take a look at our guide on artificial insemination kits for practical advice. And for more tips, don’t miss our post on at-home insemination kits.
Summary
The author reflects on the everyday experiences of parenting a child with Down syndrome, highlighting the joy and challenges while addressing societal misconceptions and the unkind remarks that can arise from ignorance. They emphasize the importance of recognizing their child as an individual first, rather than solely through the lens of a diagnosis.
Keyphrase
Parenting a child with Down syndrome
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