Dear Mommy,
I don’t know you. But I know you just found out your baby has Down syndrome.
I don’t know if, while gazing into your newborn’s almond-shaped eyes, you were told your precious baby has an extra chromosome.
I don’t know if you are still carrying your blessing beneath your heart and are waiting to hold the wee bundle that isn’t exactly going to be born the way you expected.
I don’t know you.
But I am you. I am you almost 14 years ago as I watched my tiny son’s face emerge on ultrasound while the doctor echoed words that wrecked me.
Feeling utterly helpless and shattered, all I heard was a diagnosis of doom and all I felt was fear. Anger. Betrayal by the very God Who I prayed to for it not to be. Inconsolable and overwhelmed.
I have a confession – I still feel some of these at times- when the days drag long, the challenges loom large, and the future feels uncertain.
But most times, I am overwhelmed with gratitude instead – for being given for such a gift, to be entrusted with such a beautiful soul whose love knows no conditions and whose smile makes my heart nearly burst.
I don’t know you, but like you, have been entrusted with one who is fearfully and wonderfully made, exquisite and unique.
I don’t know you. But I know you will love your child with a fierceness you never thought possible. I know you will be a mighty momma who fights and you will be able to do this.
I don’t know you, but we are connected, linked by an extra chromosome and placed on a path that only those who walk it understand. Don’t rush, because the pace may be a little slower and at times and it may be frustrating. But it makes us stop and linger and enjoy the moments that slip like sand through our fingers far too fast.
Your journey waits for you to embrace.
And though I don’t know you, I do. And you will walk it with grace and love.
And I will walk it with you.
Love,
Another Mommy