Post by Renee' on Oct 19, 2006 7:54:22 GMT -5
We are going to be the feature family in a newletter for the military. I thought I would share it with you all.
LOVING LAUREN
Did you know…
One in every 733 babies born in the U.S. has Down syndrome. The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 56 today. In that same span of time, advancements in education, research and advocacy have had a tremendous impact on the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Today, many people with Down syndrome:
Attend neighborhood schools and learn in typical classes alongside their peers without disabilities.
Graduate from high school and go to college.
Comprise a vibrant part of the American workforce.
Actively participate in the social and recreational aspects of their communities.
Live independently, make their own choices, and advocate for their rights.
Yesterday my 7year old daughter was sitting at the table. Her teacher had left a note for me to have her read a story to me. I had no idea she could read. I pulled the book out and what do you know, she did! It was a moment that almost made me cry. This was a moment in our house to celebrate.
8 years ago I found out I was pregnant. The pregnancy was my first and I was so sick. I was being checked often and on one of the visits there was something wrong on the ultrasound. The next thing I knew I was off to have an amniocentesis. I really didn’t think there was anything wrong. We were both young. We were both healthy. So I waited for the results. On the Friday before Labor Day weekend we received a call that would change our lives forever. Our child would be born with Down syndrome. I was devastated. The dreams I had for my child were over. I started to research and wonder what she would be like. I had people tell me she would never learn. I had people tell me she would be a waste of life. I also had people tell me she would be the best thing that ever happened. Those people were right.
When Lauren was born she came out yelling. She was just beautiful. I fell in love and made a promise to dedicate myself to seeing that she lived life to its fullest. She has has open heart surgery and 6 sets of ear tubes but you would never know it. Lauren is a gift and a joy to us. We have our moments and challenges. Yet each day she manages to amaze us. Lauren can read, write, count, talk and ride a bike. She loves her friends and can name all of them in her class. She can sing the words to every Dora, Barney, and Wiggles videos ever made. She also can escape on us at 6 am in the morning for an early breakfast with our neighbor. With endless sunshine she brightens our lives through her beautiful smiles, wonderful hugs and generous kisses. She has taught us what it really means to love.
My wish for you is that should you one day come across an individual with Down syndrome stop and say hello. They would love it. Teach your children that children who have differences are just like them in so many ways. They want to have fun, play and make friends. I bet you if you just open up you may make one of the best friends of your life.
We want our daughter to have opportunities to live a full, happy life. We want her to make choices and decisions so she can believe in herself. We want her to be accepted and astonish others with her abilities, not her disability.
I personally want people to know having a child with Down syndrome is not the end of the world. It is hard work but the rewards are what keep me going each day.
Thank you for reading!!
LOVING LAUREN
Did you know…
One in every 733 babies born in the U.S. has Down syndrome. The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 56 today. In that same span of time, advancements in education, research and advocacy have had a tremendous impact on the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Today, many people with Down syndrome:
Attend neighborhood schools and learn in typical classes alongside their peers without disabilities.
Graduate from high school and go to college.
Comprise a vibrant part of the American workforce.
Actively participate in the social and recreational aspects of their communities.
Live independently, make their own choices, and advocate for their rights.
Yesterday my 7year old daughter was sitting at the table. Her teacher had left a note for me to have her read a story to me. I had no idea she could read. I pulled the book out and what do you know, she did! It was a moment that almost made me cry. This was a moment in our house to celebrate.
8 years ago I found out I was pregnant. The pregnancy was my first and I was so sick. I was being checked often and on one of the visits there was something wrong on the ultrasound. The next thing I knew I was off to have an amniocentesis. I really didn’t think there was anything wrong. We were both young. We were both healthy. So I waited for the results. On the Friday before Labor Day weekend we received a call that would change our lives forever. Our child would be born with Down syndrome. I was devastated. The dreams I had for my child were over. I started to research and wonder what she would be like. I had people tell me she would never learn. I had people tell me she would be a waste of life. I also had people tell me she would be the best thing that ever happened. Those people were right.
When Lauren was born she came out yelling. She was just beautiful. I fell in love and made a promise to dedicate myself to seeing that she lived life to its fullest. She has has open heart surgery and 6 sets of ear tubes but you would never know it. Lauren is a gift and a joy to us. We have our moments and challenges. Yet each day she manages to amaze us. Lauren can read, write, count, talk and ride a bike. She loves her friends and can name all of them in her class. She can sing the words to every Dora, Barney, and Wiggles videos ever made. She also can escape on us at 6 am in the morning for an early breakfast with our neighbor. With endless sunshine she brightens our lives through her beautiful smiles, wonderful hugs and generous kisses. She has taught us what it really means to love.
My wish for you is that should you one day come across an individual with Down syndrome stop and say hello. They would love it. Teach your children that children who have differences are just like them in so many ways. They want to have fun, play and make friends. I bet you if you just open up you may make one of the best friends of your life.
We want our daughter to have opportunities to live a full, happy life. We want her to make choices and decisions so she can believe in herself. We want her to be accepted and astonish others with her abilities, not her disability.
I personally want people to know having a child with Down syndrome is not the end of the world. It is hard work but the rewards are what keep me going each day.
Thank you for reading!!
]
&
Susan, Proud mom of Michael (32), Justin (25) Emily (22ds), and Jordan (20).
LOL
