I watch as Lily peacefully sleeps in my arms. She is truly beautiful—her large, almond-shaped eyes shifting between shades of blue and brown. Her tiny hands and plump feet are curled up in a serene little ball. Though her breathing is heavy, a sign of her cold, her stillness brings me comfort.
In this moment, I feel reassured that everything is as it should be.
Understanding Lily
Lily’s extra chromosome is not an error; it’s simply part of who she is. She has Down syndrome, and she was created this way.
A Challenging Night
Just then, Jake enters the room. It’s been a challenging night for all of us. He squeezes into my other arm, resting his head on my shoulder. His restless legs jolt Lily awake. Groggy at first, she squints at her brother and then erupts into delight, scrambling over me to leap onto Jake. He chuckles, feigning annoyance, reciting a line from one of his favorite cartoons: “She’s just a baby; she doesn’t do much…” as he playfully pushes her back down to snuggle with me again. I can’t help but laugh. This was meant to be.
Embracing Differences
Jake’s autism is not a flaw. It’s not an abnormality; it’s simply who he is. My children were born this way, and I’ve learned to embrace that reality. Acceptance doesn’t mean I don’t wish for easier lives for my kids. It doesn’t mean I’m okay with Lily’s frequent illnesses or Jake’s struggles to manage his bodily restlessness. It doesn’t imply that I don’t tirelessly seek out the best services for them. It means I love my children for who they are—Lily and Jake—not just for their diagnoses. I want the world to recognize them for their individual selves, not solely through the lens of Down syndrome or autism, but as equals, just different.
And being different is a gift. It adds color and richness to our lives. I cherish the uniqueness that each person brings to the table. The people I have encountered who are unlike me have taught me so much. Each one possesses their own beauty, worth, and the right to be accepted as they are.
Celebrating Individuality
We were not designed to be the same; we were meant to be different. You were meant to be who you are, with your unique perspective on life shaped by your experiences. Don’t feel pressured to conform.
You were meant to be, too.
Further Reading
For more insights on self-insemination, explore our post on home insemination kits. To understand more about this topic, check out credible resources like this one and this podcast that discusses IVF and fertility preservation.
Conclusion
In summary, embracing our differences enriches our lives and those around us. My children, with their unique challenges, remind me daily that love transcends labels, and every individual is deserving of acceptance and celebration.