I have often referred to other families in the Down syndrome community as my extended family--tied together forever by that 47th chromosome. Most people are born with 46 chromosomes, people born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome and their karyotype looks something like this if they are males.
There is the bond--fascinating love really--that I have experienced within this exclusive community that we have belonged to for nearly 4 years now. It is a unique acceptance I wish every single person could enjoy. There is a genuine kinship and concern for one another and our families. When a child is taken too soon from this Earth, those of us who 'know' them or hear of the loss weep. I have cried many tears over beautiful babes gone in the blink of an eye.
Children like Gabby, Carly, Millie, Ike, Anya, Alexander (Gibson), Dante...the list goes on and on. Some of these children were orphans--several of them were not. Still the loss is great and their memories live on in our extended families.
Celebrations don't go unnoticed in our extended family. When our children walk at 2 years, 3 years, or 6 years--there is joy and shared excitement amongst us all. When some ignorant soul makes an ill-timed comment; WATCH OUT, we momma bears are pretty ferocious! We don't back down easily.
When IEP questions abound and potty training seems like it will NEVER happen; there is a mom who has been there done that and is ready to say, "I've got your back". When the times come for open heart surgeries, you can bet your bottom dollar there is a multitude of praying going on.
It is amazing. On Babycenter (my favorite online support group is there) we can discuss the good, the bad, the scary and the ugly and arguments rarely happen. Religion is not an issue. Age is not an issue. Stature is not an issue. We are truly like an extended family.
Now, because of our adoption journey we are drawing more people into that extended family and I could not be more pleased. I will learn more about other families, share their joys, triumphs and heartbreak too. It's all good because I have my family...my extended family.
