There is a stigma to special needs adoptions, but it’s not what you may think. The stigma belongs to the birth parents, labelled as selfish, heartless or weak. It’s an easy assumption to make, a way to blame. When we first got the call about Lily, those were the thoughts that ran through my head. …
The last of my guest voices is an incredible photographer, Kelly Searle, who I’m still hoping will decide to make an impromptu trip to Toronto one day when it just happens to be gorgeous outside so that I can use her incredible talent to capture some new photos of Lily, but I digress. Kelly is …
Down Syndrome Awareness Month has come to an end, but luckily here in Canada, the first week of November is Down Syndrome Awareness week. So while a cold that has kicked my butt kept me from finishing my project for 31 for 21 project for this year, I’m happy to bring it into November as …
Shortly after Lily came home, Jess was talking to a woman who said to her, “I’ve heard about people like you.” A little taken aback, for a moment Jess wasn’t entirely sure which of the “like you” categories the woman was referring to – lesbians or parents who had chosen a child with Down Syndrome. …
The thing about the thread that binds parents of children with Down syndrome is that, like all thread, it can sometimes seem invisible. There are moments in time when parenting our children can sometimes feel lonely. This doesn’t mean that we don’t have amazing support systems from our family and friends but there are days …
Once Lily was officially home with us, we began taking her to weekly sign and music programs aimed specifically for parents and children with special needs. The majority of children attending the program along with us had a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, so it felt a little bit like walking into our own special clubhouse. …