There was a time I was ignorant about disability. When we found out prenatally our baby most likely had Down syndrome, it was hard. I only knew stereotypes, coupled with my limited experiences interacting wth people with disabilities. The diagnosis felt as if it was the “worse” thing that could happen to my baby and my family.
My daughter is now 10 years old. She is full of personality and sass. She makes us laugh, makes us frustrated and melts our hearts. Much the same as many other 10-year-olds do. It turns out, most of the fears I had were rooted in the negative disability attitudes that permeate our society.
Because of her, my life has changed. My view of disability has changed. Now some of my closest friends are adults with disabilities. I am also a disability ministry consultant helping churches understand disability and launch disability ministries.
Ignorance is a powerful thing. Yet love is more powerful than anything else. And love leads to relationship, which leads to understanding, which leads to a changed attitude.
But the reality? Down syndrome is a part of who my daughter is, and it is a part of her I love.
I don’t wish my daughter was different. I love her for exactly who she is.
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Hi Ellen. I wanted to let you know that in my Disabilities Studies course we have discussed your posts and truly they have helped change my views on disability. Similar to you I have had little to no interaction with disabled people, so I was really uneducated on the manner. Now little by little everyday I am learning much more about disabilities. Just wanted to let you know that your blogs have impacted my life. Your daughter is extremely beautiful and I am so glad she has a mother like you. Have a beautiful life.
Oh Eve thanks for letting me know. You made my day.
I often say, I would not use a magic wand to wave my son’s autism away if it would also take his sweet and sensitive spirit. When I found out his diagnosis my biggest fear was that he would not feel or be able to express love. So I resolved to love him MORE. My fears are laughable now as he hugs me or kisses my checks for some spontaneous reason or other several times a day!
Love this
Beautiful. Having a child with special Needs has definitely changed my views of the disabled.