Boardwalk Buddy Walk 2012

Boardwalk Buddy Walk 2012

On Saturday I had the most amazing experience. The Twins and I went to our very first Buddy Walk in Rehoboth Beach. The Buddy Walk is a walk to celebrate Down Syndrome and I felt so honored to be a part of it. As many of you may know my son was diagnosed with Down Syndrome a few days after he was born, but what many of you don't know is that before Saturday I have never met anyone with Down Syndrome. Actually Brother did have a bestie in the NICU with DS, but other than these two sweet baby boys I have never know another person that had DS.

Saturday only proved what I already knew to be true- Down Syndrome is not a diagnosis, it is a joy. Every single child and person I met had the biggest smile and the sweetest soul. Their families are caring, friendly, and compassionate. They had different "teams" for the buddy walk. Some of the teams had made special shirts, some dressed up in cowboy gear, and others wore their blue Buddy Walk shirts. There were cheerleaders supporting a fellow teammate, there were siblings supporting their brother or sister, and there were families that overflowed with happiness. Being a part of this community makes me so proud. I will be honest and say I was a bit worried about going because I was afraid that I would start to have expectations of what Brother might or might not be like. Instead I left the Buddy Walk with a happy heart full of hope and excitement. 

I met a beautiful eleven-year-old girl whose kindness and gentleness would be hard to match. She made me feel as though I was no longer a stranger at this event, I now had a friend. Truth be told she was the Belle of the Ball, everyone knew her and she knew everyone else. Her sisters and friend were the sweetest girls ever. They held and loved on the Twins all day. This whole family took me under their wing and I am forever grateful. 

The oldest sister made such an impression on me. When I found out Brother had Down Syndrome, I wondered what that would mean for Sister. I still sometimes wonder. Watching this caring and nurturing fifteen-year-old made me think of my Baby Girl. I only spent a few hours around this "teenager", and I can tell you she is one impressive teen. She had a grace beyond her years and so much warmth. I'm sure there are fights and arguments, but the love she displayed is unforgettable. It is something I hope to see between my Kids someday. 

I love that my Daughter will be blessed by her Brother's Down Syndrome. I love that His Down Syndrome will not only shape who He is, but it will also shape who She is.The Twins are so fortunate to have one another, and we are so fortunate to have them. God gave us all the best gift,  He gave us each other.

Loving all the Attention!