Honesty

Honesty. It's the best policy. I was taught that all my life. We teach the kids the same thing. So, I will fess up, honestly, I have been struggling and I am beat down. Parker is making great strides, doing amazing things, having tremendous gains and impressing everyone around him. His therapists want to know what I am doing "differently." People continue to comment, "he's so alert, engaged, not missing a thing.."

I am truly grateful and know I should be dancing and jumping around praising the Lord for his goodness, but the enemy has my number and he's taking me for a spin.

I continue to be disgusted and disappointed with people that just dismiss kids and adults with DS. And we aren't just talking about "ignorant, uneducated folks.." Many physicians and educators (it appears many special ed teachers are the worst offenders)feel the same way. Their thought process of "they have DS, so they can't do that anyways" seems to permeate society. They refuse to acknowledge that yes, children with DS have metabolic issues that need addressed and that their thyroids and diets DO matter and affect cognitive function. They seem comfortable just telling parents, "well they have DS." A friend of mine is in a battle with the school system because they have removed her son completely from the middle school classroom. And, he is fully capable of learning. Educators want to modify and tell you to accept, not expect. That just doesn't work for me. We don't "accept" from our typical kids nor will we from Parker. Last time I checked "typical" kids with behavior and academic problems were not removed from the classroom. Seems to be quite the double standard. Problem is the more I talk to these parents with older kids the more I hear this comment. Time to start now researching the best place in America to live. I still believe that with work and effort, Parker can attend private school. I will continue to believe in that goal and make every effort to have him ready to "pass the tests." I can only hope and pray that the educators and administrators will be more open to this possibility than what I've experienced so far.

I now have enough knowledge on biochemistry and the genetic mutations and their affects on kids with DS to get an honorary degree. I have the bags under my eyes to prove it. I have come to terms with this reality and I've accepted we better address it fast. I've started his regime and I will say it makes a tremendous difference. I know this is a touchy subject, but I've done my research and I believe this information should be given to parents after receiving a diagnosis. It has hope and encouragement and the sooner you start the better off you are. I also understand the people that say, "not my baby..what if he's different..I will wait to see.." I was there too. I talked to enough people and did enough research and I'm not comfortable "waiting to see" because I know what will ultimately happen. Find some families with kids older than 5-6 and see what they say..then find the ones with teens and or older...you'll be convinced too.


Today I signed Parker up for "lists." Lists that I don't truly understand nor want to think about, but at a friend's urging I went ahead and did it since it takes up to 15 years to get approval. Parker is number 31,000 something on a list for assisted living. I probably would have broken down screaming had it not been so comical..woman on the phone asks me the following screening questions.." does he need help toileting himself, getting around, getting dressed?" Me..."yes, he's only 15 months old.." She.. "Does he read independently?" Me.. "well, no, as I mentioned he is only 15 months old.." OK, give me your info and I will add him to list...
Good thing I don't have to do that everyday. Add that experience to the list with open heart surgery. Don't want to have to go there.

We did receive one of those divine meetings Saturday that gave me a lift. The kids did a triathalon and I met a Mom whose 10 yr old daughter has DS. She was competiting in the tri. Amazing young lady, gifted swimmer and runner. All of you know how athletic and competitive I am..I grieve the "loss" of athletics for Parker and God showed up to tell me not to "accept," but to expect! Thank you!!!

So, forgive the rant. It is over. I am mad at myself for not being able to shake the enemy and his taunting. I write this honest post because I know many of my sisters traveling this journey feel these same things, maybe some of you feel like they can't be spoken. Far be it from me not to be honest. God is greater than all of this and has great plans for our lives and Parker's. Parker is such a gift and his new sense of humor and responsiveness quite funny. The irony of all of this is the things people say and assume about him because of his diagnosis are so wrong and so untrue at this point. Hoping people can see him through the right eyes and not assume. Guess part of our role in this journey is to help them see that. Guess he has the right Mom for that...one willing to tell you honestly what she thinks and passionately plead for what is right!

Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Isaiah 40:31
"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."