Almost every day I forget that Easton has Down syndrome. It isn’t at the forefront of every day like it used to be. I used to think about it all the time. When I was pregnant, it was all I could think about. It took me a while, but over time, it just doesn’t seem like that big of a deal anymore. The only time it comes to mind now is if I’m having to do something like fill out paperwork, trying to get therapy services, etc. Today for example, I went to apply, and have Easton screened for the Developmental Delay Waiver waitlist. The woman that did it was very kind. She was really sweet with Easton. I really enjoyed chatting with her. While she asked all the questions she was required to for the screening, my heart started hurting. It was that familiar hurt. That hurt of the past. The hurt I felt when I was grieving the future I had for my unborn child. It surprised me, because it was still there. I thought I had gotten rid of it for good. Forty-ish minutes went by and then we were done. Easton met all the requirements, so she was able to put our name on the list. While this is exactly what I wanted. It’s the outcome I went there for, I found myself crying on the way home. I am happy that he was able to get on the waiver. Hopefully he will be able to use it one day. But it also made me really sad. The grief that I thought I had put behind me came fiercely flooding back. I guess the feelings I thought I had put to bed are still living in a small section of my heart, and small things like today will make them explode again. Why was I sad? I had gotten what I wanted. I went there with a mission in mind, and I accomplished it. So what was I crying about it? The answer is because today was a HUGE reminder of the realization that the future I had planned in my head for my child won’t necessarily come to fruition. When I was pregnant (early on) with Easton, I spent my time dreaming of what he would look like, what he would be like, and what he would accomplish in life. Then life threw me a curve ball, and I had to grieve those visions of the future. Now, to be clear, I am not saying that Easton won’t accomplish things in his life. He most certainly will. Look at all that he has done already. He has already surpassed all the things the woman told me he would do when she told me of his diagnosis. His future is just slightly different than I had envisioned. His future is still bright. It is full of love, joy, and fun. I have no doubt that he will hold a job and be a contributing member of our society. I think he will be able to live independently, although I definitely wouldn’t hate it if he stayed with me. J Today I learned that even though I love Easton with EVERY piece of my being, sometimes I still have a tough time with his diagnosis. Ya know what…that is okay. I am doing the very best I can, and I will continue to do my best for Easton. But I also have to be gentle with myself when these feelings hit. I am only human after all. I’m still learning and growing every day as Easton’s mom. I pray that I continue to get better at this wonderful job I’ve been given. Thanks for reading!
xoxo, Krista
2 Comments
Carol Vlyde
9/16/2019 09:25:23 pm
I know why you were sad. A good friend that taught with me and is a football coach has a daughter with DS and when he and his wife applied for services and waivers, he said it was like he was proving to the world that Reese is disabled and telling them how bad she is. Now he and his wife are so proactive and really work with her like you do with Easton. But he said he felt like he was cheering Reese on with one side of his mouth and calling her disabled and unable on the other side. He said it broke his heart, but we both talked about providing opportunities for her. I’m send you lots of love!
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Melissa
9/16/2019 09:49:29 pm
This made me tear up because that’s exactly how I feel. Once you know your child’s diagnosis, it’s hard not to grieve... everything got flip around but as time goes by it gets better & you think that grieve is gone but it most certainly isn’t. I have felt better over time & i forget it as well but there’s times where it comes back and it’s okay to cry and it’s okay to feel this way. You need to be able to grieve it in order to get back up & do what we do best for our children! You’re an amazing momma! Easton and Asher are very lucky to have you! You’re doing an amazing job!
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