When I notice someone gazing at my youngest daughter, Lily, it stings. It’s a physical ache. I can’t help but wonder about the negative thoughts swirling in their minds, causing my heart to ache. I want to shout, “She just has an extra chromosome!” but I hold back.
Instead, I scoop my sweet girl into my arms, hold her close, and whisper how much I love her.
I despise being the target of stares. But here’s the irony: I often find myself staring at Lily too. Yet, my reasons are far more loving.
Beauty in Uniqueness
For one, Lily is stunning—truly a beauty. From her captivating almond-shaped eyes to her adorable little toes. Her hair is an enchanting blend of browns and blondes, and even the tiny mole on her finger is endearing to me. I find her squishy nose and chubby knees irresistibly charming. The scars on her chest and stomach? They’re beautiful reminders of her brave journey.
Awe of Strength
And speaking of bravery, I’m constantly in awe of her strength. At not even 4 years old, Lily has faced heart surgery, bowel hernia surgery, and even a cancer scare. We recently learned she has celiac disease. What a courageous warrior, and yet, she doesn’t wear any armor! How does she manage? She may be tiny, but her spirit is enormous. Just look at her!
It’s Okay to Admire
Seriously, it’s perfectly fine to admire her. I want you to see her as I do. Yes, you might notice her Down syndrome, and yes, that makes Lily unique. But can you also see how breathtakingly beautiful unique can be?
- Do you feel the warmth of her smile?
- Do you see how she dances, even in silence?
- Can you witness her relentless determination as she pushes forward despite life’s challenges?
- Do you notice how she laughs with her entire being?
- Do you see the depth of her love? So pure, so complete.
- Can you recognize how she truly lives, rather than just going through the motions like many of us do?
If you can see what I see, I’ll know it by the way you look at my daughter. I can always tell when someone gets it—when they recognize the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary. That’s when I might finally take my eyes off my beautiful Lily.
Further Reading
For more insights on parenting and family matters, check out this post on boosting fertility supplements. Additionally, Modern Family Blog offers great resources on related topics. For excellent information on home insemination, you might want to visit Cleveland Clinic.
Conclusion
In summary, while stares can often feel hurtful, they can also open the door to admiration. It’s essential to see beyond the surface and recognize the beauty, strength, and love that children like Lily bring into the world.