I am a middle child and jokingly my family always said I fought to be seen and heard. I am one of three girls and separated only by a few years. Here’s an example that proves my point: My mom has a decorated plate with all our names painted on it displayed on the mantel above the fireplace. It has become a running joke among our family that my two sisters’ names are right-side up, but me being the middle, of course my name is up-side down on the bottom! I was always labeled the fighter, arguer and competitive one. At times, I welcomed this with open arms and other times I saw it as an insult. We fighters see things in extremes, well at least I do. I have to give it my all not looking back and having confidence in the win or back out right away so I don’t make a fool of myself. I have learned a lot over the years and I have gained humility, but I am still a fighter at heart.
In the case of Mia, I welcome the fighter in me. I am so glad to be a fighter for her! Sometimes, even if you are not a natural fighter, we all have to learn to fight for things! If you have kids, I am sure you know what I am talking about. When Mia was born, I knew I was up against a lot. I was ready to fight everyday for a fair opportune life for her — sometimes to a fault. I’ve made a few mistakes along the way. When we brought home three hispanics, I knew my life would be a life of fighting for them as well. I am a fighter and advocate for all my kids and will be until the day I die!
The hardest thing these last four years hasn’t been anything to do with Mia’s progress! The thing that has been the most stressful and the thing I am standing up against the most is the ignorance of people, labels placed upon her, preconceived judgements and ceilings people want to place on her! I am a proud fighter for my Mia and she has already exemplified the same characteristics in herself!!
This month, I encourage you to educate yourself on Down syndrome. Down syndrome is ONE characteristic of Mia, just like your child may be below average in height or flat-footed and can’t run as fast as his classmates, or allergic to peanuts, or has trouble pronouncing their ‘r’s” or… the list goes on. I don’t define your child as the flat-footed child, so please learn to not define mine as the Down syndrome child.
Much love! – Kristina