It came across my FB stream via my friend Michelle.
I’ve always known that language shapes perception. That is why I fight so hard against the use of the r-word.
But this, this never even made my radar. Maybe it’s because I don’t focus on the Down syndrome as much as I do about the whole keeping a kid alive thing.
A quote by Rose Mordi, Nigeria at the UN conference on World Down Syndrome Day:
“Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition.”
…..naturally occurring. Not an abnormality. Not a disorder. Not ‘What’s wrong with him?” Not a 90% abortion rate.
I have a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition. My life has just as much value as any other, including yours.
Can you imagine a doctor walking in and saying, “Your baby has Down syndrome. Don’t worry though. Children have been born with Down syndrome since the beginning of time. Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition. Your child will be blessed to be a member of an amazing population of people that make this world a better place to live in.”
Something as simple as the language we use could change the perception of how the world views my child and so many other children.
What a wonderful, wonderful world it would be.
About Tammy and Parker
LOVE THIS.
Thank you krlr. I floored that quote….and kept wondering how I didn’t come up with it first…it really could be so easy couldn’t it?
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this!!!
Twitter: Alicecrumbs
says:
OH! Just fantastic and YES, it flies in the face of “what’s wrong with him?”. Brilliant, Tammy. Thank you. X
Alice recently posted..“that’s the best lemon cake I’ve ever tasted” (happy birthday Dave)
Oh…this is fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing!
I thought much the same when I first saw those words…. thank you so much for putting this perspective into words!
Beautiful use of words! This entry will be shared by many and we should all spread it! Thank you so mych for putting it in such beautiful context! Maybe the NDSC may want to use this as their next campaign
Twitter: marriedlife
says:
Wow!
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That’s very interesting. My granddaughter was born 5 weeks early and has been in NBICU for 5 weeks. It only helps to speak truthfully. We are still processing her DS. She’s a beautiful baby and I absolutely know she was meant to come to our family. But we don’t know her yet. She’s still a newborn struggling that we have only briefly held. So I’m encouraged by your confidence and leaning on your ability to thrive. I pray we will give Eliza the wonderful family life you’ve expressed for your child. This statement makes me hope we can change perception. I have mixed up emotions as I worry about my daughter being able to handle a sick newborn and 2 year old. What would have happened to Eliza if she didn’t have the excellent care? I don’t know. These are things I can’t express openly. I just need to be confident and supportive of my daughter. Eliza was born on my moms birthday. I do know my mom was with me and Eliza that day. It had to be hard for her to be in a little body struggling for life. Poor sweet baby.
Nanette,
I’d love to talk with you more in depth. My email addy is [email protected]. I notice that you are local. I can share my phone number with you via email.
It’s scary at first. Especially when your little granddaughter is still in the NBICU. You’ll find your way. There will be what feels like set backs…..that is entirely normal. But as time goes on you’ll discover that this newest member of your family is more like your other grandchildren than different. And you’ll find a joy you never even knew existed. That I promise.
Let’s talk more, okay?
xoxo
love this! I don’t know what we did to deserve our baby girl Cameron but I’m glad we did it, I would’ve never know how incomplete our lives were.
Love, love, love!
Beautiful, and SOOO encouraging in the face of starting to hear that my Noah may not be as “high functioning” (I hate those words) as originally thought. What level of functioning he is really doesn’t change anything, does it? He is exactly how God created him to be, isn’t he, and oh-so wonderful at that. It’s enough, he is enough and HE is enough.
God bless you, Tammy, the Lord is using your writing in such a powerful way.
Alyson
Twitter: mja716
says:
Yes, it would truly be wonderful if doctors told new parents that their child has Down syndrome in this way! It would be absolutely lovely! Thank you for a beautiful post. <3
This is beautiful. I love it.
Love this and what a beautiful child!
Julia, thank you so much!