Would you change it??? -- Day 22

I have often been asked the question if I would take away Josie and Jake’s diagnosis of Down syndrome if I could.  That is a question that is very difficult for me to answer.  I have talked with several people and they seem to be clear cut on their answers.  Either a definite yes or a definite no.  I am on the fence. 

On one hand, I love Josie & Jake for who they are and I wouldn’t want to change that for anything.  I love everything about them.  On the other hand, I know how society is and how they will be treated at one time or another by people who are less than accepting of their different abilities!  I never want Josie or Jake to suffer one minute of ridicule because of their diagnosis.  It is for that reason and that reason alone that I would want to take it away!

I guess more what I would love to take away is the stigma that comes along with the diagnosis.  People look at the kids differently and look at us as parents differently.  Like they pity us or they feel sorry for us.  I have had people say they are “sorry” and I in-turn ask them “What are you sorry for?  I am not sorry… they are a blessing”  I want people to know them for who they are and see past the Down syndrome.  THAT IS WHAT I WOULD CHANGE!!