Yes, yes, yes you are special!

We have met so many wonderful people during this 5 month journey we have been on with Harper. Earlier this month, I was afforded the opportunity to meet someone whom I have admired, not entirely for her political venue, but for her ability to accomplish so much while putting her faith and family first. So, with book in hand, I began my three hour wait to meet Sarah Palin. Not only did I have her most recent book, but I had taken Harper's baby book as well. You see, I wasn't there to chit chat about what the country was doing or where she was going to be in 2012, I was there to address a bond we shared which goes to the core of who we are as mommies. Her youngest child, Trig, and Harper were both born with Down syndrome. At the beginning of the wait, I met and talked with six lovely ladies all from different walks of life. When they asked what my 'other' book was and I explained why I brought it, I received nothing short of blank stares. They really didn't understand why I was there. As the hours progressed, we talked more about the weather, Sarah, our respective churches, Sarah, our families and Sarah. The moment had arrived and we were walking in to finally meet her. We were told to place all belongings, which included jackets, purses, cameras, etc in a tub and were only allowed to take her latest book up to be signed. I was a bit crushed but understood and respected the reasoning behind not being able to take Harper's baby book. It was my turn next, I approached Sarah and began to tell her about my admiration for her and our common bond. When she heard those words, "I have a child with Down syndrome," she stopped and her face lit up. You see, it is a bond I can't always put into words. It transcends all ages, races, fame and fortune and immediately ties two mommies like no other. Sarah was gracious with her words and continually reached for my hand to take in her delicate and petite hand. She told me something I have already found to be true, which is how each and every day, it gets better and better and better. I mentioned having brought Harper's baby book and she reacted with such excitement and even had the gentleman overseeing the tubs take it out and bring to her to sign. She quickly read the top of the page which said, "So many reasons why I am so Special!" to which she replied, "Harper! Yes, yes, yes, you are special! From Sarah Palin (Trig's mom!)" My time had come to an end and I thanked her immensely for the gift of compassion and words of encouragement. As I made my way around the partition, the six ladies waited for me to see what Sarah had said and written. As I read the words, those six ladies began shedding tears of joy for me and my precious baby Harper. You see, in the time frame of 3 hours, I had effected them, they got it and hopefully they will pass along my feelings of what a joy it is having a Down syndrome child.

God continues to cross our paths with some of the most amazing people. We recently met the proud father of a 24 yr old DS son. He sat with me and painted such a vivid picture of the night he was born. You see, just 24 short years ago, the mentality of the medical field was completely barbaric. Minutes after having their precious child, the doctor told them not to get too attached to him as he would not live. You could see the pain still fresh on his face, even after all these years. That child not only went on to live, but he graduated high school with his very own diploma, works and has a girlfriend. They are also very active with Special Olympics and their son has brought them much fame, travels and an abundance of joy. He touched on one aspect of his son's life which I have found to be very much a part of Harper's as well. Even at such an early age, music has been such a joy to her. I have watched Harper light up and be instantly soothed by music and am fascinated by how much she enjoys and responds to it. He also mentioned how much she will like to dance. What a wonderful thought to one day see my little girl dancing to some of her favorite music.

As the 2010 year comes to an end, I sit here reflecting on the many blessings bestowed upon us. They weren't bought at the local mega mart, they weren't wrapped in a little blue box with a big shiny bow and they didn't come with a plane ticket to a warm, sunny beach either. I suppose our blessings are simplistic in nature and possibly even boring and dull to most, but this year I was blessed with a family under one roof, a beautiful and healthy baby girl who came with her own set of blessings and a life full of everything and nothing I had ever wished for. What more could a girl want?