Ain't too Proud to Beg (A Pass It On Post)

Beg. Plead. Beseech. Solicit.

Pick a word. Any word. I just hope you'll take the time to pass on my request.

Some of you may already be aware of this but....

Eslea and I were featured in the local newspaper this Sunday. One of the editors printed selections from Eslea's birth story along with a SECOND article about the Down Syndrome support group that some of us are starting. The article was beautiful and although most of you have already read Eslea's birth story, she did include additional material such as my views now six months later. 

Unfortunately, the newspaper did not link the articles to it's website. Such a shame because those articles took up two entire pages. In COLOR at that. Since it's not available to the general public electronically, one day this week I will post it even if I have to retype it all myself.  I want everyone to be able to read the encouraging words of my fellow support group moms (who are now family).

What you may not know is.... 

Eslea and I, along with other parents, were also on the local news Monday night to promote Down Syndrome Awareness and the new group (Down Syndrome Association of S. Ga) that we are starting.

You can view the footage here: WCTV World Down Syndrome Day Footage

Now...I am asking you all to do me a favor.

Well, technically it's two favors. So, here goes...

The only way children like my Eslea will ever truly be accepted for the value they can offer this world, is for the media to start spending more time on special needs issues.

I'm asking you to please go to both media sites and request that they do more stories on down syndrome and special needs!

PLEASE take time to compliment the story and let them know that you would love to see more!

(Remember, the story was NOT on the newspaper's website. Again, shame on them!)

(Edited 3/24/2011 to add that Eslea's story is now on the website. Here is the link Eslea:Reserved of God. Just one more article to go!)

For Valdosta Daily Times, you can send a letter to the editor by clicking here: VDT: Letter to the Editor

(You could also post something in the rant and rave, if you're feeling motivated: VDT: Rant and Rave

For WCTV, you can post a comment by following the link here: WCTV World Down Syndrome Day Footage

Oh and one more thing....PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pass this on to your friends!

I also have the video posted on the Down Syndrome Association of South Georgia website.

Thank you for supporting not only Eslea but the millions of beautiful people just like her in this world!!

-erin

World Down Syndrome Day

Eslea turns six months today.
It's also World Down Syndrome Day.
I swear my mommy bubble is going to explode with the pride up in my soul.

This past weekend, I was honored to get together with other families in our first event for the Down Syndrome Association of South Georgia. I shared pictures a few days ago from that event in the post: Just the Beginning. Well today, I honor my Eslea and all those like her that ROCK an extra chromosome by sharing with you the rest of the pictures from our World Down Syndrome Day celebration.

Sit back and relax because the day was beautiful and so are the (oh so very many) pictures.

The beauty of having designer genes....

The siblings....

Love. Love. Love.

All the food...

and fun...

Somehow after all that, we still had time to release balloons in honor of everyone with Down Syndrome...

It was an incredible day.
If you're still here, thank you for taking the time to see what amazing lives our families have all because we are blessed with someone with an extra chromosome.

Until next time!
-erin

Just the Beginnig

There are very few times in our lives when we get a chance to stand on the brink of something spectacular. To be present at a moment in time and you know that it's just the beginning. There is a spark. An energy in the air that you know will carry over into greatness.
Today I was honored to be part of such an event. No...blessed. For it is beyond words that can describe what it's like to know you are at the beginning of a change. A change that not only effects your child but the thousands of those like her that were born with designer genes.

I have posted before about the families I have met since my Eslea was born. The women and men that give Jason and I motivation to challenge ourselves. We, along with this fabulous group of people, are joining together to start something that has been too much of a long time need in our community.
There are so many people out their like my Eslea. They have opinions, wants, needs and desires. They deserve a voice. So we are forming a group to give them that voice and we're calling it the Down Syndrome Association of South Georgia. That's right. We're here and we are LOUD my friends.

World Down Syndrome Day will be this Monday on March 21st. It's a day to bring positive awareness to the contributions individuals with down syndrome can offer to society. Today was the first event to grab the attention of the local community to show that each voice deserves attention and respect.

Oh the greatness that happens when individual voices group together. Voices are louder in masse. Today was just the beginning of the voices yelling into the world.

The voices will get louder my friends.
Change is a coming.
This is just the beginning.


To be continued....

-erin

On Life and Silver Linings

You know it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then the circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good
                                - John Mayer (Heart of Life)

So many times the hours and days click click click by going faster and faster.
This occurs more the older I seem to get. The more wrapped up in my own life, my own problems, my own family. Choices being made. Mistakes taking place.
When we learned that Eslea had down syndrome, I remember taking that news personally. As if somehow I was being punished for my past, my choices, my mistakes. I always lived my life with no regrets. "Lessons learned" is how I would describe bad choices. Yet now, I do have a regret; something I wish so desperatly that I could block out or erase somehow. But the past sticks with you like glue my friends and the feelings I had around the birth of precious Eslea happened. And no matter how many times I try to find that darn time machine, it continues to elude me and the feelings remain what they are...a pulled thread on the fabric of my life.
I can never take it back. Although it is something I desperatly wish I could, I am instead reminded of the WHY of it all. The WHY we must all go through pain...becuase without the pain of life, we could never feel the JOY. The absolute tear jerking side splitting JOY of life.

Laughter. Friends. Smiles. Music. Poetry. Books. Blue Skies. Green Grass. Family.

This weekend, I had an opportunity to finally meet several families in our area that have beautiful kiddos with down syndrome. There were about six families gathered into one house with their amazing children. Being the kind person that I am, I opted to leave my camera at home so as not to scare them off the very first time they meet me. I will say that it is was eye opening and something I truely wish could have happened sooner.
When I  first learned about the diagnosis of down syndrome, I made assumptions...she may never talk, she'll be three by the time she walks, she will always be cheery. Never in my life have I been so happy to be wrong. Each child there had her very own personality...some more then others (shout out to Polly and her wonderfully spirited Emily). I admire these women. I am honored they invited me in and that Eslea gets to grow up with their children.

Life is amazing. I wish I could take back the pain from those first weeks after her birth, yet without those feelings I would have never reached the depth of love I now feel.
I may have never felt the pull to meet these women. I would have never had a chance to meet their children. I would have never began to see the beauty in everyone.

If this is the reward for the pain, I'll take it. I'll cry and hurt just for the small chance that on the other side joy will be waiting with open arms wrapped in silver lining.
Any day. Any how.
Hear that life? Bring it.

-erin