Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Don't Look Back

We went to a kids train store today for story time. There were tons of kids, most of them sitting and enjoying the story, but not my active Silvi. She always needs to be on the go exploring, just like her Dad! Anyhoo, as I was following Silvi around I was holding Ian facing behind me. As I walked toward a woman she saw Ian's little body and commented, "How cute". I smiled at her as I passed her but didn't look back to see the expression on her face when she saw that my boy has Ds. It's hard because I want everyone to love Ian just as I do. He fills my heart with such joy, such love. It hurts when others can't see him the way I do.

7 comments:

bella said...

Of course it does.
You love him for who he IS.
You love the world this way though, and it is beautiful.
p.s. I hear we may be seeing you guys this summer and we can get a chance to finally meet Silvie and Ian. Oh this makes me happy.

Leah Spring said...

ahhh...but how do you know she realized he had DS? YOU can see it, but what I've discovered over the years is most people aren't able to recognize it in babies. When they do find out they're always shocked. I think most people expect babies with DS to look like little adults with DS. I think Ian looks just like his big sister! And like every baby his age, he IS cute!

Anonymous said...

Hey Annie.
Don't underestimate people. Not everyone is that way. Some people are more educated than other when it comes to DS. As with any situation you have people of all sorts. YOU know his identity is not in the syndrome. People can see it in your eyes that he is Ian and he his your beautiful baby boy. I think people are very receptive and when you show off your baby as you would with any baby, they see the pride in you and it make the DS disappear.... or I could be living in my own little perfect world. You be the judge:) Love to you.

Jeffrey Goble said...

I don't know if you've had any yet, but there's also some unexpected joys in store. Every so often, I've seen everything from knowing smiles to introductions. One particular Sunday, in a restaurant, I was feeling particularly put upon by life. I felt a hand on my shoulder, a warm squeeze, and looked up from my seat to see a man who merely gave me a smile of recognition, and kept going. It spoke volumes. I remember it, 5 years later.

Annie's Porch said...

elbog- Your story touched me. Thank you for sharing that with me. How kind of that man. I like how you put "I was feeling particularly put upon by life". That really describes how I feel sometimes.

Annie's Porch said...

Bella- Thanks for the affirmation. I SO hope that we can see you this Summer!

Annie's Porch said...

Leah- I appreciate for your insight. I think he's cute too!

Amber- Thanks for the reminder. There are some all-embracing types out there. I just need to remember that.