To the People Who Say 'Sorry' When I Tell Them My Child Has Down Syndrome
Sometimes when I tell people my son has Down syndrome, they reply by saying they’re sorry. The next time you’re tempted to tell someone who has a child with special needs that “You’re sorry” — don’t.
It may come from a place of caring. It may be well-intended. But what you just said is that you’re sorry my son is the way he is. And I’m not sorry at all.
He is exactly who he is supposed to be.
I’m not sorry he was born, I’m not sorry he is a part of our family, I’m not sorry Down syndrome has helped shape him into the most beautiful and loving little boy possible, even if the rest of the world might not fully appreciate or understand.
But I appreciate his perfection. I understand how beautiful he is. And I am grateful every day that I have the honor and privilege of being his mother.
I live daily in the company of an angel. So please. Don’t ever be sorry.
Follow this journey on A Simply Perfect Life.
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Amy Elison is the proud mother of an extraordinary young boy. She is committed to promoting awareness and showing support of those in the special needs community and their families. Amy has a Master of Public Health degree and a decade of work experience in administering public health programs. She writes on her blog, www.asimplyperfectlife.com, about special needs issues.
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