Ellie and I were at the doctor's office this morning when the receptionist asked how Ellie was doing. After updating her on Ellie's age (20 mo) she said, "She must be running around everywhere causing trouble, right?" Most of the time, I just giggle with the person b/c I don't want to make them uncomfortable by explaining that Ellie has Down Syndrome and is still working on those motor skills but today I just laughed and said "sort of". She probably thought she had offended me with the "causing trouble" part so she tried again, "Well, she's at least running around everywhere, right?" These are awkward situations because, again, I really hate making people feel uncomfortable so I answered with as much positivity as I could, "Actually, not yet. She was born 3 months early. She also has Down Syndrome....She's doing great, working hard and getting close!"
She obviously felt bad and I was quick to tell her not to worry. Fortunately, the awkward part only lasted a second...she came over to look at Ellie (sleeping at this point) and she smiled and couldn't believe how much she'd grown and said to me, "You're blessed"....and then after more positive comments she said, "I've got goose bumps." It was touching for me to see that she was so obviously touched while looking at Ellie.
MANY people have said something similar and have been TOUCHED by Ellie. I wish I would have written down all the many wonderful comments along the way which is why I wanted to write this experience down. Ellie is an inspiration to me and to many others...the woman was right, we are truly blessed...we feel so lucky that she is in our family.
Someone sent me this link (video) today about another inspiration....it definitely opened the flood gates for me...I'm grateful for the little boy in this video and I have no doubt that Ellie will be "running around causing lots of trouble" someday soon!!! :)
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/boy-with-down-syndrome-inspires-others
Eli Matthew Gray
9 years ago
