I chose to participate in the 2nd Annual 31 for 21 Challenge. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The purpose of this Challenge is to bring awareness of Down Syndrome (otherwise known as Trisomy 21). I do not have a child of my own that has Down Syndrome, but here is why I chose to participate in this challenge.
On February 29th (yes - Leap Year) of this year, my very best friend gave birth to a healthy baby girl. We call her Mattie (okay Kim & Matt named her, but I help pick out her name! :0)). The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew there was something very special about her. She was just “Angelic”. Mattie was our “surprise Blessing from God”. From the moment we found out Kim was expecting, all we could say was “This baby is a blessing from God”. The day after Mattie was born, Kim called me from the hospital. She spoke the words, I never expected or wanted to hear. She told me that the Doctor said that Mattie may have Down syndrome. The next week while waiting for the test results, I hit my knees hard and prayed – a lot. My heart was broken for my friend. Her baby wasn’t “perfect” we were expecting. I didn’t know what she was going though. I didn’t know how to comfort her. It hurt because I could not “fix” it. I cried for hours at work, so I could “get it out” of my system so when I talked to Kim, I wouldn’t cry. That Friday, the test results were in. Kim called me with the results and asked me to write an email to let all of our friends know. It was the hardest email, I have ever written. I simply wrote that the test results were not what we had all prayed for and reminded everyone of what we said from the beginning of her pregnancy “This baby is a blessing from God”. God knew that Mattie would be a perfect fit for this family. Little did I know how perfect Mattie is. She is truly a blessing from God as all children are. God just gave us an extra chromosome to love.
Over time, I have “met” so many other families who love someone with an extra chromosome. I have learned so much by reading other blogger’s stories. I encourage you to read some of my favorite blogs, which can lead you to many other blogs.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Get it Down 31 for 21
at 4:36 PM
Labels: Down Syndrome
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5 Shout Outs:
Wow....does that bring back memories! Who knew life wouldn't be at all like I expected. I never thought after hearing the news that I would have so much joy in my life....but I do! Thanks for sharing the message!
God knew that mattie will be a special baby for kim & matt. Tracey I know that mattie mean the world to you i can see it in your eyes. Even the other week when we was talking about it you still cry. As I read what you have wrote you have me crying. I am so thankful that Kim & Matt gave me a chance to Keep Mattie. She has been a blessing to me. She holes a special place in my heart.
I think that is such a beautiful story. God does give us miracles and blessings. Your little Mattie is extra special. That is why god gave her an extra chromosome. That little one is going to have a great life because of all the love you give her.
Also, great pics of the little ones.
It's wonderful that you are participating in the 31 for 21 too! What a wonderful best friend you are!
I just found your blog through Shana's blog. I am so inspired by your reaction to your best friend's baby with Down's Syndrome. You have a neat blog - I will be back!
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