A Bumpy Road

95% of the time I forget that Anthony even has Down Syndrome. It's not something that I think about a lot, because he is just Anthony... my baby! He does all the things that any other baby would, so why would I think of him any differently? The other 5% of the time, I am reminded by things that are out of my control. During therapies, or doctor visits, Down Syndrome is constantly on my mind.

It's weird to think that our life might not be "typical" for everyone... that other mothers might not have to worry about scheduling life around physical therapy, speech therapy, monthly doctor appointments, and trips to the hospital. That might not be a typical life for other families, but it's our normal. Going through all of those things makes me realize that we're not like most other families, and that our road might be a little bumpier. I don't mind all of the bumps along the way, it's just something that we have grown used to. But, it doesn't mean that I don't feel them. With each new bump, I am reminded... brought back.. to what the reality is. Even though there are really hard days...there are also days where there are no bumps at all, and we just enjoy the ride together as a family. 

I think that being on this "bumpy road" for the past five months has made me a much stronger person. I have learned to grow from each one, and it makes it a little easier to endure the next. So much so that most times, 95% of the time, I forget that we even travel a different road. 

The other day, I encountered another bump that caught me off guard. I wasn't ready for it and it hit me pretty hard. Something so simple as a conversation with another person made me want to just curl up and cry. The person came up to me with a sad look on their face. They said they were so sorry. I looked at them and said that there wasn't anything to be sorry for because I have an amazing son, a healthy son, and I love him more than life itself. I don't think the person was deliberately trying to offend me or make me upset, I honestly think they had good intentions. But, regardless it was said again. "I know... but I am just so sorry." And it brought me back to a place that I didn't want to be in. I don't want to be reminded that my road is different than yours. Yes, sometimes it may be hard... but that doesn't mean I am sorry I am on it. Anthony is worth every single bump, times a million. I just wish other people could see that too. 

And that made me think. That I don't think anyone has a completely smooth road in life. Everyone is dealing with something. I feel pretty thankful that Anthony has taught me to embrace each bump for what it is, and to enjoy the ride.