Ruth saw a bright future for herself. She didn’t have an exact plan in front of her. But at 18, she vaguely knew what she wanted in the future: a master’s degree, a husband, a job she enjoyed, and children. Emma was on another path altogether. When Emma turned 18, she was already enrolled in a school for students with more significant disabilities.
Seasons of Growth
Over the years, I have been through multiple seasons of planting and harvesting skills with my daughter. My daughter is now entering adulthood with disabilities. There are still skills that she needs to develop to make her life easier. The learning does not stop as she ages, however, the pressure I put on myself all of those years is gone. I don’t need to fix issues. I simply need to support her through them. Evana Sandusky writes on her daughter’s growth through the years and likens it to planting seeds and yielding the harvest.
March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day
How My Daughter Cared for Me
As soon as I woke up, my body revolted. My hip somehow fell out of place again, making each movement painful. It’s a bizarre situation for a caregiver to find herself in. I am not supposed to be the one who needs help. For me, caring and giving happens regardless of how I feel. As Jaycee grows, I see now how we can help each other.
Seeing Beyond the Down Syndrome
Jaycee is a person with Down syndrome. Not everyone with this diagnosis will be exactly like her. For World Down syndrome Day, I encourage you to get to know those around you who have Down syndrome. You may be missing out on an opportunity to meet a person who can enrich your life with friendship and love.