Why I’m Grateful to Parent a Child with Down Syndrome

Posted: 5 years ago

Why I’m Grateful to Parent a Child with Down Syndrome

31 Reasons I’m Grateful I Get to Parent a Child with Down Syndrome-

Because there’s a fierceness in my heart that wasn’t there before.
They’ve taught me what relentless love looks like.
They’ve introduced me to an amazing community of moms and dads who are tender warriors.
They rescued me from a pointless path to pursuing perfection.
They’ve taught me speed isn’t everything.
They’ve taught me to speak up.
Because they give the best hugs.
Through them, I’ve experienced what pure joy is.
They’ve shown me the value in being different.
Because of them, I’m learning the language of advocacy.
They’ve broadened my perspective.
They’ve broken down my sense of entitlement.
They remind me to not take things for granted.
They show me the value of hard work.
Because of them, I pay more attention to the whole world, not just the part of the world who looks, lives, and believes as I do.
Because they have the sweetest dance moves.
Because they’ve inspired me to be more involved in the world.
Because they love hard and teach me to do the same
Because they’ve given me a new purpose.
They are my ultimate teacher in affection.
They inspire me to do hard things.
Because their silliness lights up my world and encourages me to be silly too.
They’ve taught me the importance and power of words.
They’ve made me more aware of injustices and push me to act.
Because they’ve taught me the importance of taking life one step at a time.
Because they bring me back when to shore when I get tangled in the waves of fear.
Because there’s a bit of magic embedded in that extra chromosome and I get a front row seat to the show every day.
I’ve witnessed them soften the hardest of hearts.
Because they stretch me in ways no one else can.
They’ve helped me find who I was always meant to be.
Because when I found out about their diagnosis, I prayed for healing, but they made me realize I was the one in need of healing—a process that began with the very first glimpse into their almond-shaped eyes.

Yes, I am grateful I have a child with Down syndrome. It’s an opportunity I never knew I wanted, and I’m so thankful I’ve been given the task.

This post is participating in the social media movement of practicing 31 days of gratitude in the month of November.

Jillian Benfield

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The Gift of the Unexpected

What if the unexpected is the beginning of becoming your truest self?

Jillian Benfield was living life in the spotlight as a TV journalist, but after receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her unborn son, she realized no camera-ready outfit could dress up her grief. Overcoming this unexpected circumstance wasn’t an option. She would have to undergo it instead. In doing so, she discovered who she was and who God wanted her to become.

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