October 28, 2009 9:36 PM
Down syndrome: another mother shares her joy
Received this a few days ago:
Hi, Barbara. I've never posted to your blog, but I decided finally to send you a picture of myself and my daughter, Elsie (Elisabeth), for your album.Elsie is 8 months old, and we found out about her Down syndrome while I was still on the operating table at delivery. I wanted to write to you because I knew you would understand when I tell you that from the moment she was born, God showered me with grace.
As I lay on the OR table, the doctor came around the sheet and said, "We are seeing some indications that the baby has Down syndrome and would like to perform a test." And I said, "Okay!" It was as if he had just said, "We've run out of pink caps and would like to put a blue one on her." ("Okay!").
Initially I chalked this attitude up to the influence of IV drugs, but it really never changed. And since I tend to be a person more likely to catastrophize than to take it all in stride, I've come to realize that it was God's grace working in me that allowed me to be immediately accepting of Elsie's condition. Along with Elsie, it was a wonderful gift.
And, of course, Elsie continues to be a wonderful blessing for our family (My husband and I have 3 other children, 7, 5 and 2.5). In the last 8 months I've come to believe that God gives us Down syndrome babies to provide a clue about how He feels about us. Elsie can be screaming at the top of her lungs to be picked up out of her crib, and the second I walk into the room she breaks into a smile that lights up her entire face! And I
think that's how God feels about us when we come near to Him (only more so).Fr. Benedict Groeschel tells a similar story--how, in Europe of old, whenever a person with Down syndrome entered a room, everyone in the room would make the sign of the cross because they were in the presence of God.
I think that through Down syndrome people we are able to begin to comprehend the truth about ourselves--that God is crazy in love with us!
Anyway, I feel so blessed--like I was admitted into this super-secret, exclusive club even though I don't have a penny to my name! God's ways are indeed wonderful, and so un-worldly.
Thanks for reading this long note, and thanks for all you do on your blog to help mothers and families, especially those of us with special-needs kids. May God continue to bless you and your family and to help you in your work.
Sincerely,
Brigid Luzarraga
Brigid and Elsie are now part of the Mother's Day 2007 photo album I began and am always adding to. Click below to see all 107 photos. Please feel free to send me yours. The most recent photo received is on the cover:
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| Our Little Extras: A Mother's Day Down syndrome celebration |
Posted in Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink
Comments
This is one of the most beautiful letters about a mom's love for her special needs child that I've ever read. Thank you Brigid for writing to Barbara, and thank you Barbara for sharing!
Posted by: Sara | October 29, 2009 9:00 AM
So beautiful--this has me in tears! Thanks for posting.
Posted by: Kathi | October 29, 2009 9:16 AM
Wow Brigid! I thought I had heard all the different types of stories about being a new mom to a child with DS. Until today! That was a wonderful recount of a moms ability to love unconditionally.
I hadn't heard the story that Father Groeshel told before. It brought a tear to my eye.
God bless you and Elsie :)
Thanks for this Barbara.
Posted by: kelly | October 29, 2009 10:35 AM
Many tears here too (happy ones, of course!) Thank you so much for sharing. What a beautiful child little Elsie is!!!
Posted by: Bryanne | October 29, 2009 10:57 AM
First of all, I have to say that the picture is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. What a cutie pie!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I agree with everything you said. What a blessing!
Posted by: Lauren | October 29, 2009 11:13 AM
What a beautiful letter, and that picture says "happiness and joy" better than any picture I have ever seen! I feel blessed just to have seen this!
Posted by: evergreen | October 29, 2009 12:15 PM
When she said the story from Father Groeschel I swear my heart climbed into my throat. That is beauty if I ever read it.
Posted by: Ouida Gabriel | October 29, 2009 3:03 PM
