Today’s post begins with a trip down memory lane. Close your eyes and think about the day you received your child’s special needs diagnosis. Go beyond the rush of emotion to the questions that came to mind. Can you remember them? In the following post, guest blogger Ellen Stumbo shares her early questions. Even better, she shares some of the answers she’s discovered since then.
Will She?
The moment Nichole came out of me, I knew she had Down syndrome. Within seconds, a tide of questions inundated me as I pictured Nichole’s future:
- Will she ever get married?
- Will she have a job?
- Will she live with us forever?
- Will she have friends?
- Will she go to college?
- Will she have hobbies?
- Will she play any sports?
- Will she learn how to play any instruments?
The Expectations of Normal Life Didn’t Seem to Apply
The thing is, those questions and thoughts never really crossed my mind when Nichole’s older sister Ellie was born. At least not the same day she was born!
Yet, with Nichole, those were the questions I was dealing with the same day of her birth. The expectations and the normal ways of life all of a sudden did not seem to apply. Funny how Nichole can grab a little guitar and show me that she will do whatever she sets her mind to.
We Can Dream Big
You wonder what my life can look like mom? Here is a little glimpse. Picture me and my husband at church leading people in worship, showing them what a pure hearts looks like before the Lord.
Okay, maybe Nichole is not thinking all of that, but she is showing us that we can dream big. This little girl is not going to let us limit her, because she has so much potential, so much to offer, so much to give. So here she is, my little girl with Down syndrome giving me the best guitar pretend concert I have heard. And who knows? Maybe some day, she will actually be helping her daddy lead worship!
Now It’s Your Turn
Okay, now it’s time to share your trip down memory lane. What questions did you have after receiving your child’s diagnosis? What answers have you received? How have the answers and your child surprised you? How is your family dreaming big? Leave a comment if you like.
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Wendy, these are the hardest days. Receiving and having to deal with a child’s diagnosis is many times the hardest part of the journey. Know that you are not alone, and that many of us have been there. We understand intimately the thoughts and feelings you are having now. So once more, let me remind you that you are not alone. The Lord is with you and the rest of us stand behind you, we are with you, hang on!
Wendy, these are the hardest days. Receiving and having to deal with a child’s diagnosis is many times the hardest part of the journey. Know that you are not alone, and that many of us have been there. We understand intimately the thoughts and feelings you are having now. So once more, let me remind you that you are not alone. The Lord is with you and the rest of us stand behind you, we are with you, hang on!
Wendy,
Hang onto that thought. God is in control whatever the diagnosis.
Jolene
Wendy,
Hang onto that thought. God is in control whatever the diagnosis.
Jolene
Great timing. I just scheduled our appointment to find out our sons’ official diagnoses. We’ve struggled with doctors, specialists, schools; knowing that something is wrong, but not wanting to admit it. Hoping that the words circling in our heads are not really going to have to become a part of our reality. But this week, the uncertainty will be over. We will have a diagnosis. I am nervous, scared, hopeful and prayerful. Whatever the results, I know this. We will move forward each day, knowing that we have been blessed with three amazing boys who have very unique gifts. They may not be the same as what other children have, but they are the gifts that God has given them.
Great timing. I just scheduled our appointment to find out our sons’ official diagnoses. We’ve struggled with doctors, specialists, schools; knowing that something is wrong, but not wanting to admit it. Hoping that the words circling in our heads are not really going to have to become a part of our reality. But this week, the uncertainty will be over. We will have a diagnosis. I am nervous, scared, hopeful and prayerful. Whatever the results, I know this. We will move forward each day, knowing that we have been blessed with three amazing boys who have very unique gifts. They may not be the same as what other children have, but they are the gifts that God has given them.