Monday, June 10, 2013

Feel good

This weekend CC and I had the opportunity to support one of my favorite non-profits, Gigi’s Playhouse.  CC & I ran to support awareness of Down syndrome and all those who have been touched by those with DS.  This is near and dear to my heart because a friend of mine gave birth this winter to a beautiful baby boy with an extra chromosome.   He’s perfect in every way and loved ridiculously by all those who have the pleasure of knowing him.  It breaks my heart that there are people in the world today that are going to treat him differently because he doesn’t look like them.  What I’ll never understand is that we all look different, so why is this such a big deal?  I believe it’s because people are just not educated.  If they were educated on the internal struggles and physical ailments people with Downs have, maybe they would be more sympathetic.  If they understood that they see, feel, and act just like every other person in the world, maybe they’d give them a pat on the back instead of not making eye contact.  The most amazing thing about a person with Downs is their ability to love.  They love unconditionally and those who love them understand love better because of them. 

I know that I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum because I have a soft spot in my heart for people with Downs.  I grew up with my Aunt who had that extra chromosome and she was the most amazing person I’ve ever met.  I spent many years of my life surrounded by people who are different and it has never bothered me because it was all I’d known.  I’m sure at some point my parents had to explain things to me but I’m thankful they did it in a way that helped me embrace the differences instead of be scared of them.  Because after all, doesn’t the hatred and rudeness come from being scared of the unknown.

This event gave us the pleasure of waving, smiling, and saying hi to people with Downs of all ages.  One little girl jogged up to CC during the inspirational walk and wanted to hold hands and walk together, her name was Mia.  Then there was a 7 yr old boy named Henry, who kept running ahead of his family and literally running into me but we laughed each time.  I ran the race next to a woman who has 2 yr old twins, a boy and a girl, both with DS.  When we bumped into her husband and kids after the race, CC blew them kisses and the kids gave me a high five.  In our goal of supporting Beckett, we supported all those who are just like us in all the ways that matter. 

This is just the first of many opportunities that I hope will open CC’s eyes and heart to those who are “different,” just as I hope that she treats all people with respect, kindness, and love.  Sunday was just her first lesson…














After the 5k during the walk, CC wanted out of her stroller.  "Mama, I run...I run like you!"  She did good for that mile and I told her I can't wait until we're running races together! 

Monday, June 3, 2013

Redo

Some days are definitely meant to be spent in bed and I wish today had been one of them.  What started out as a typical morning soon turned into drama, heartache, and a migraine.  I can’t go into all the details because really, the details will make you wish you hadn’t even read this, so let’s just say that it was a day I hope to soon forgot.  Some decisions  were made today that made my makeup run down my face when I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. Although all I really wanted to do was punch some holes in the wall.  (Wow, I'm more like my dad than I thought.  LOL) But truly, I feel like the whole world is against me when just yesterday I was feeling pretty good about things.  Funny what a difference a few hours can make.  I do not personally understand how I got to this point in my life and there’s not a day that goes by where I’m not digging through my memory for clues I must have missed.  I'm really trying to learn to let go of the things I can't control but it's just not fair that others are making choices that affect my life.  I know that the fact that I have a smart, kind, beautiful little girl as well as our health and a roof over our head should make me appreciative and happy but honestly, sometimes I just don't feel that way.  So tonight I’ll go home, pick up my mini me, and hold her until she begs me to put her down and then I’ll enjoy the evening through her eyes because all is well in a 2 year olds world.  When I awake tomorrow, hopefully the sun will bring me some peace and understanding.  If not, I'll fake it until I make it because I really don't know what else to do. 

Taken this past weekend before we went to a party..I just love that girl so much!