The Joey Series 3/5: Alex/Dad)

(THE JOEY SERIES 3/5: Alex/Dad)

Joey is surrounded by love, and love is all she has known since she was born. We have been extremely fortunate so far when it comes to her health, with no major complications to overcome. Aside from various therapies, some extra appointments, and some adjusted timing for goals, the first two years of her life haven’t been much different than her older siblings. There’s a level of certainty in our kids’ lives that makes things comfortable for me as a parent. But the uncertainty of what’s coming scares me. Will we put her in the right school? The right class? Will she be bullied or picked on when we’re not there? Will she let it get to her? Will I let it get to me? I don’t know. And I can’t know, not until we get there. Some days I think about these things a lot and it wears on me, other days they don’t even cross my mind. But the thoughts, the questions, are always there. How can I possibly be ready for what’s coming? Connecting with families through Inland Valley DS Association and other DS groups has been the biggest help to assuage the fear. Talking with other parents, watching their kids grow, and seeing how different and amazing they all are has pushed questions aside to make room for excitement. I don’t know exactly what the future holds for Joey, but I do know that she will always have love, and I can’t wait to see where she goes with it.

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