Thankful for you

Coraline in her beautiful winter coat this morning

I’ve joined a group of mums to answer a question each Monday. This week’s question is:

“Why are you thankful for your child with Down syndrome?”

We are going to do a top ten here as our answer, five from me and five from Kevin. We both wrote our own without consulting each other.

Me:

1. She is amazing
2. Our connection of love makes my heart sing. I love her.
3. She has opened my eyes. Wide!
4. She has changed me as a person, all for the better
5. We are so happy together as a family

Kevin:

1. I’m really thankful for Coraline as I used to have a combination of food and snowboarding feeds on my Instagram (very passionate about both) - I am now proud to say that I have a wide spectrum of different new friends and people with various additional needs from Down syndrome to CdLS. I have become so much more understanding of the love and some challenges many people feel everyday.
2. We have some really funny and sweet interactions with total strangers when we are out and about with Coraline
3. She has inspired me to be more present - to slow down and be in the moment when I’m with her, and that transfers across all areas of my life
4. We got to go to an A List photoshoot with photographer to the stars Nicky Johnston, and get loads of world class photos for free. People have said that our magazine article this month has helped them. She has given us a platform to share, learn and inspire, and be inspired by, others.
5. Coraline has taught me that love is all there really is. When she was first born I felt sorry and disbelieving for around one minute. When I looked down at my little girl, love took over and it’s been here as an ever present. I don’t think that Down syndrome or any other condition makes any difference. Love is love.

To see what others have said too, see the hashtag #thankfulforyou