There are a few things that I do worry about with Macy... Some may come as a shock, some may not.
These aren't the typical worries. Because of my beliefs, I know without a double that Macy's future is bright!
I know that she she will struggle in life as she grows and I will have to watch her closely and protect her, but these are some of the things I worry most about.
Macy becoming Invisible-
I am sure you have all seen an adult with Down Syndrome as you go about your lives. On many of those occasions, people keep their distance. They make wide distance between themselves and that individual. Or they simply ignore them. I have never had a single negative comment about Macy, but she is still young and cute and charismatic! She is a charmer. I fear that as she grows older and into adulthood, she will slowly become "that lady with Down Syndrome" or simply "invisible, ignored, shunned to the side."
Treated "Special"-
Out of compassion and doing what they think is best, many people think those with special needs need to be treated "special." I feel like everyone is special no matter who they are and everyone deserves to be treated the same. I don't want people to allow Macy to get away with behaviors that typical people can't get away with. I know through her life things will need to be altered slightly for her. She will need extra help, modified programs and such. But, I also want her to view herself as an equal to her peers. She should not be given special treatment.
Not know who she is or be proud of that -
Macy has Down Syndrome. That is part of who she is. I get so frustrated when parents don't want to tell their child that they have Down Syndrome. Are you ashamed? I'm not. Why does Down Syndrome have to be such a negative thing? How do you think it impacts your child when you are ashamed? I am proud of who Macy is and I am well aware that Down Syndrome is part of who she is. If she didn't have that extra Chromosome, she would be different than she is. I like her the way she is. So as she grows I hope to instill a sense of pride in her. She should be proud to say she has Down Syndrome. She should be proud of who she is. I am proud of who she is and so is her Heavenly Father.
So I encourage everyone who reads this to notice those around you with special needs. Say hi, treat them like you would treat anyone, give a hand where needed, start a conversation and mostly allow them to feel proud of themselves!!!
Jane, My Hero
2 weeks ago