Musings, Thoughts and Other Stuff

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose"

Romans 8: 28

I have been thinking about our current direction in life allot the last few months. Because we found out before Laura was born we were able to prepare emotionally and mentally for what the three of us would be going through. I am still amazed at how much the two words "Down Syndrome" that we heard back in March have taken hold of our life. Because of these two words we are making friends, and meeting people that we would have never met. I can tell you that the Down's community is an incredibly supportive, informative and caring community.

As you know, we toured the Rise School Last week. Their program is incredible. When we toured the school we were amazed. Each of the teachers and care givers were very active with the kids. They used multiple teaching techniques (which included singing and a microphone that the kids could not wait to use) that helped the kids to better learn the lesson for the day. Sign language was taught, to give the youngest kids the ability to communicate. In one class room the kids were so excited to see a new baby, that they gathered around Laura and oohed and ahhed over her every movement and squeak. It was so much fun to see them enjoying everything about their day, and to be treated like normal 2, 3 and 4 year olds. What really surprised me was to see how many adults with Down Syndrome worked at the school. The Director told us she was very proud of the fact that she is able to employ 5 Down's adults. We are currently on the waiting list and are very hopeful we will get in, in 2010. So if you are on the same waiting list and are ahead of us, please know that your spot will go to a beautiful girl if you decide not to attend the Rise School.

Some of the doctors we have met have also introduced us to a few couples. These couples are a little further along in their lives with a Down's child, but they have been amazing resources for us. They have guided us to several of the websites that you see posted on this blog. We are looking forward to getting to meet them face to face in the future. This will likely happen at one of the many support group meetings that happen in, and around Houston.

We have also met a couple who have a newborn with Down Syndrome. Their child is just about the same age as Laura. We are excited about being able to go through this with a couple that is in our same place. There is something reassuring about knowing you are not alone. Having these kinds of resources to draw from, beyond friends and family (whom we love and are incredibly supportive as well), is amazing.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, frustrated, angry or any other "negative" emotion it is OK. You are not alone. There are many people out there who know how you feel and what you are going through. Reach out to them. We have found that being able to lean on the Down's community has helped us in ways we could never fully understand. We thank God daily for all of you.