Parenting Insights
Years ago, I found myself frequenting the Down Syndrome community on Baby Center, diving deep into a world filled with questions, discussions, and emotional exchanges. The joy, the sorrow, the moments of pride—everything resonated within me. One particular quote caught my attention: “I never knew I wanted a child with Down Syndrome until I had one.” To this day, I still wonder about its origin—does anyone know? That statement struck a chord with me, stirring feelings I hadn’t anticipated.
Back then, I pondered its meaning. I questioned whether I could ever feel that kind of love, whether I would embrace those words—not for their authorship but for their sentiment. It was challenging for me to come to terms with the idea of cognitive disabilities. Accepting and understanding its presence in my life through my daughter felt daunting.
Now, as I reflect on my journey with my daughter, Daisy, who is now three years old, I can say this truthfully: I never knew I wanted a child with Down Syndrome until she entered my life. Oh, how we cherish her!
Daisy embodies a unique essence, but there’s also something special that comes with that extra chromosome. There are moments we experience together that resonate deeply with those in our community. For instance, she possesses an uncanny ability to sense my emotions. While she isn’t overly affectionate—preferring to keep her distance most of the time—there are instances when I feel overwhelmed by sadness, and she seems to know. In those moments, she gently cups my face, kissing my cheek with a tenderness that warms my heart. She is my child, my everything.
For a long time, I held onto cynicism. During my pregnancy with Daisy, I read testimonials from mothers who spoke of their love for their children with Down Syndrome. I would think, “That’s great for them, but I’d prefer a child without Down Syndrome.” Deep down, I struggled to believe that anyone could genuinely accept and find joy in intellectual disabilities.
As I write this, I reflect on how much I’ve changed. There may be friends reading this who perceive that I’ve transformed significantly or question the authenticity of my feelings. Let me clarify: I have indeed evolved.
Some might argue that I only accept and love Daisy because she is “high functioning.” I detest terms like “high functioning” and “low functioning,” which unfairly assign value based on conformity to societal norms. The truth is, Daisy is not what anyone would label as “high functioning.” She is simply a little girl with Down Syndrome. Yes, she’s over three years old and may only say a handful of words, but she comprehends nearly everything we communicate.
As I continue to understand her and the unique aspects of her personality, my love for her grows deeper, transcending mere words. I never anticipated wanting a child with Down Syndrome until Daisy became part of my life.
For those exploring similar journeys, you might find helpful insights in this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, or check out this guide on the realities of trying to conceive. If you’re interested in options for self-insemination, you can also learn more about our artificial insemination kit, which can be a valuable tool in this process.
In summary, my journey from skepticism to acceptance has been profound. The love I have for my daughter, Daisy, who has Down Syndrome, surpasses anything I could have imagined. It’s a love that encompasses who she is in her entirety, extra chromosome and all.