What having a child with Down syndrome means to me

On Friday, it will be international Down syndrome day again. This is a very important day to me as a parent, but also as a human being. We live in a world where women are encouraged to abort after getting a Down syndrome diagnoses. A picture comes to mind of a very mentally challenged kid who will spend their life in a hospital, and never amount to anything. You will take care of this child for the rest of your life, they will always be fully dependent on you and life as you know it is over. This is what doctors say to scared pregnant women to get them to kill their baby. I have news for you, life as you know it is over, but that is true of having children in general. There are kids who are very sick, and will need a lot of help, this is also true of seemingly normal children after an accident or something not detected in prenatal tests. Another thing prenatal tests don't detect is how loving these children are, and how different each of their personalities are. They are tiny human beings, with fears, dreams, and love to give. We get so wrapped up in the diagnosis, we fail to see the child. My son Anthony has changed me life totally. Yes, I spend more time at the doctor than I would like, and yes it takes him longer to learn, but when he does achieve something, it is a sight to behold. He is so proud of himself as is everyone around. He has everyone captivated, he attracts attention where ever we go. He loves to flirt and hug. He loves to wave, and make people smile. When he hugs me, and smiles at me, I know I was meant to be his mother and he was meant to be my son. It's not always easy, but it's always exciting. My life is truly never dull with my comedian around. I don't know what the future holds for him, as he is only 3, but I can't wait to find out.