I Dreamed My Son Didn’t Have Down Syndrome. I’m Glad It Was Just a Dream.
I had a dream this past week that my son Baker woke up without Down syndrome.
It was as if his extra chromosome was absorbed into his plush, minky sheets. Or as if the sandman had carted it off in his knapsack and tucked it beside the lavender he used for lulling.
It was gone. Kaput. Vamoose.
His beautiful eyes still boasted their autumn pools but lacked the almond slant that never fails to draw me in and captivate my whole being.
His tongue remained tucked obediently inside his cheek, not once lagging like it does on occasion, especially when he’s focusing so intently.
His hands hung by his side, not in front of his face for signing, as words bounded from his lips — articulate, coherent and utterly foreign.
As I reached in to hug him, his body didn’t collapse into mine, which is my favorite thing about Baker — the way his low muscle tone makes him puddle into my eager embrace.
He was stiff. Solid. Strong.
His steps didn’t waiver, not once did his balance falter. He was sure-footed and walked with a stability his little body has never known.
In that instant, he became a typical child. Gone were the thoughts of IEPs. Therapies were tossed into oblivion. His challenges became successes. The specialists on speed dial were no more.
I sat abruptly in bed. Tears streaming. Faint whimpers escaped my lips.
I navigated through the dark room and padded the familiar steps to Baker’s bed. I picked him up and felt his warm body fold sleepily into mine.
It was just a dream. He was still the same Baker Boy I’d read “Let Me Hold You Longer” to while his little body relaxed and his eyes grew heavy.
He was still the same Baker Boy I’d rocked and sang “This Little Light of Mine,” and to seal the deal, “You Are My Sunshine” to only hours earlier.
Nothing had changed. Everything had changed.
I don’t know who said it originally, but I believe it to the very depths of my being. I never knew I wanted a child with Down syndrome until I had one. No truer words have ever been spoken.
He’s loved exactly the way he is. I believe he’s one of our Creator’s greatest masterpieces. He was crafted in love. He was knit together wonderfully. He’s a joy spreader, a light brightener, a glad giver.
Being his mother is the greatest blessing. I believe watching his life bring glory to our Jesus is an incredible gift.
Just the way you are, sweet Baker, we love you just the way you are.
Follow this journey on Our Dream Come True.
Jennifer is saved by His unfailing grace, married to a hunk of a man and mommy to Baker, a fierce blessing of a little boy, who has Down Syndrome. She is a teacher, loves college football (Roll Tide Roll!), believes fresh flowers make any day brighter and thinks coffee is just a small puddle for cream and too much sugar to go splashing. Jennifer blogs at Our Dream Come True (www.bakerisourdreamcometrue.blogspot.com) about her adventures in life, love and faith.
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