Larkin is doing great at school. Her teachers and aides love her and I can tell already that she has then wrapped around her little finger. That is my piece of good news that keeps me going although I am waiting for the other shoe to drop kick me straight in the ass. Sometimes I see it coming and other times it knocks the wind out of me so I am keeping the eyes in the back of my head open.
On another note, I met a friend this weekend. It is wonderful when you go into a situation unsure and expecting little and come out with the most amazing thing ever! As you all know, I share Larkin’s journey and have since birth. The most wonderful women in the world are the women I play golf with in my 18-holer group. They have supported me through thick and thin and I will never be able to repay their kindness.
Long story short, a friend of one of my golfing friends called me this week to ask if I had time to please come by her home after the Illinois game to meet her niece. I had no idea what the story of the niece was but I figured it had to do with having a child with Down syndrome. Maybe I at one time DID know the story but unless you want measurements of drugs or food – I don’t remember much.
I met Shawn. I am not even sure I am spelling her name right but I don’t care. I LOVE THIS WOMAN! I had grabbed Larkin’s picture books to share with a mom that I thought might be struggling with Down syndrome. I shook her hand, settled in, and asked, “do you have a child with DS is that why we are here” and Shawn said, “we have mirror children only I have a son and he is a little bit younger” — and we talked.
We cried, we cussed, we commiserated, we laughed, we spoke the same language, we spoke the same drug talk, seizure talk, ketogenic diet talk, we spoke about friends that hurt us without intention, we BONDED!!! We are soul mates. We are on the exact same path and I understood every single word, tear, rage, worry, laugh, grief that came from her. She understood mine!! Our husbands seemed a lot alike per our comparison and I truly hope that the four of us meet again soon because I feel like I just exploded into what I hope will be a lifelong friendship that in actuality could be and would be a lifeline.
It is so amazing how comforting and encouraging it can be when we connect with someone who can truly understand us. It’s rare, at least in my experience, but so worth it when a gem is unearthed.
And I’m SO glad Larkin’s doing well at school!
Amy,
God works in wonderful ways, huh? :-))
I’m glad to hear that school is going really well.
Sounds like you have met a terrific friend. One to share your journey with who can truly understand you.
It has been such a joy to get a glimpse of Larkin more frequently at school-I’m glad to hear it is going well….I hate the ‘waiting for the other shoe to kick you’ feeling but I know it well. Sounds like you met a friend that can really understand your journey and I’m happy for you and her 🙂
ahhhhh….what a wonderful feeling of connection….congrats….
It is a gift from God to meet someone who is traveling on the same path and who speaks the same language.
Sorry I’m so late in posting this, I’m WAY behind on reading the blogs. I just wanted to say that I’m so happy you met someone that you can bond and connect with. That’s terrific!