Until I met you

 

This Week has been World Down Syndrome Day. It is a day to recognise the beauty in all those people who have an extra chromosome and to raise awareness of some of the discrimination and hurdles that they face. As I sat pondering on this and what this means for my family and in partiular my beautiful daughter who happens to have Down Syndrome, I began to write and this poem appeared. I shared it on social media and people commented on how much it had touched them so I thought it deserved a permanent spot on my blog. So here it is.

Until I met you, I longed to love and cherish a child of my own, someone to call me mum

Until I met you I craved for the sound of belly laughs filling my home and for mucky handprints found in the dust.

Until I met you I had faith that God would fulfill his promises to me, that I might be blessed.

Then I met you, and you became the answer to my prayers.

Until I met you I never knew the love that fiercely protects, advocates and fights for the very best.

Until I met you I never knew the grief of milestones not reached or the perseverance it takes to do things that to others comes so easily

Until I met you I never knew the hours spent in hospital waiting rooms, and the trauma of holding you close as they poke and prod you once again

Then I met you and you smiled as God walked with us through the tough days.

Until I met you I never knew the pure joy of achievements made. Each and every little bit of progress

Until I met you I never knew my heart could swell so much as your personality shone through, bigger than any diagnosis.

Until I met you I never knew the hours I could spend watching you and loving every little thing you do.

 Then I met you and understood what if means to be 'fearfully and wonderfully made'

Until I met you, I prayed every day for your arrival… Then I met you and I thank God every day that you are mine…