31 for 21: The Rest

There have been a few times along the way where Chris and I have been asked the question "what advice would you give a parent who has just received a diagnosis of Down Syndrome". For most parents, to receive a diagnosis that was unexpected whether it be during the pregnancy or when the child is born can be one of the most difficult things you could ever go through. I know that for us, the "scariest" thing was what the future would be like both for our family and for Colin.

The best piece of advice I can always offer is simply to love your child because the rest will come with time. Everyone has their own story, their own journey, on how things play out but I am most grateful that our diagnosis did not come until after I was already holding Colin in my arms. I fell in love immediately and that love superseded any of the grief and fear I was facing.

Chris and I have learned along the way a lot of things that we didn't know before and probably wouldn't know as well if it weren't for Colin. We certainly have learned how much we could truly persevere through something and we have been able to learn these things because of our love for Colin.

So I say love with all of your heart because you will figure everything else out as it comes. Colin is one piece of our family puzzle and just like the others, has a very meaningful and valuable place in it. We love him for who he is and for all of the uniqueness he brings to us.