Thursday, February 05, 2009

I am Overwhelmed

...that so many people took the time to read and comment here yesterday.

For a tiny little blog like mine to get three or four times my usual daily number of visitors in just one day is...well...just a bit overwhelming.


Thank you to Jennifer and Pinwheels for sending folks our way.


Just like the tough times, waves of gratitude come unexpectedly. (I wrote about this in response to the tremendous amount of support we received through my brain surgery in '04 and during our first Buddy Walk last year. You can find that
here.)

I started this blog and continue to post writing and pictures to show just how much we love and celebrate Bridget, and to help others see that a diagnosis of Down syndrome is far from the worst thing in the world. (I could keep it all for myself, but I feel selfish not sharing Bridget and all we have learned through knowing and loving her.)

I hoped that someone, somewhere would find this blog at a time when they really needed a boost.

I hoped that people who did not know someone with Ds would visit here and see my daughter--our love--and understand that she has potential and value just like everyone else.

I hoped that people in the "special needs" community would come here for information about Bridget's development and our experiences with her--as well as for support.

What I didn't expect was the incredible sense of connection I would develop with other parents traveling the same path. I didn't expect that I would be reading, almost daily, about other children and families who are working their way through so many of the same issues we're dealing with--that I'd be so invested in their lives and gaining so much myself. Thank you to everyone else who is searching, writing, learning, loving & sharing.

I am grateful for all of it...

13 comments:

  1. Wow, you were mentioned on Jennifer's blog! That's awesome!

    I agree with you. The connections I've made are unbelievable.

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  2. Aww, so very, very sweet!

    Thank you for doing what you do and making the world a better place for all of our kids.

    Each one, teach one.

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  3. I completely agree wtih you. I am blogging about my little guy, Dylan, for those very same reasons. Thank you for saying it so eloquently.

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  4. I forgot to mention...would you mind if I added your blog to my T21Blogroll? I would love for others to read about Bridget as well : ) Let me what you think...
    Thank you!

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  5. Bridget is a BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING little girl!!!. Your blog is very encouraging, one of my favorites, I LOVE it. :)

    Thank you so much for making a difference and for helping everyone who is fortunate to find ~Bridget’s Light~ perceive our children in a more positive way.

    All the Best ~

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  6. Hi! I just started reading your blog- went back into your history- did Bridget have surgery for duodenal atresia? I am going to put Lila's history and pics on my blog eventually- but Lila was born at 36 weeks, had duodenal atresia, along with other issues, and was in the NICU for 7 weeks. Sounds familiar, huh?

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  7. Yes, it sounds very familiar. Bridget had a small omphalocele. Basically, a section of her small intestine formed in a pouch outside her abdominal cavity (near the umbilical cord). The surgeon had to "make" her a belly button. He did a great job :)!

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  8. Also, Laurie, you are more than welcome to add us to your blogroll!

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  9. I jumped over from Jennifer's blog as well and wanted to thank you for sharing your story. You have a beautiful family.

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  11. Come one by- new friends always welcome! Perhaps it's time to have a T21 blog conference!

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  12. It is an incredible connection, isn't it. I feel so blessed by the connections I have made through the fact that my child was born with a little bit extra. To me that has been one of the greatest gifts.....the gift of people who understand and are so welcome to take my hand and walk by my side.......cheer me on, lift me up, all because they 'know' that little secret we have all be bestowed.....a gift coming on a strand of DNA.

    I think a T21-Blog gathering would be the coolest thing ever!!!!

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  13. You have a beautiful blog and a beautiful family! And I feel the very same way about blogging...

    xo

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