One of the heaviest loads we carry as parents comes in the waiting. It truly does seem like we spend a good deal of our time waiting. Some waits are harder than others.
We may be waiting for pregnancy results, waiting for our baby to arrive, waiting for teething, waiting for sitting up, waiting for the next big milestone.
There are many things in life we wait for; some expectantly, some happily, some impatiently, some fearfully.
I have spent a great deal of parenthood waiting. The most difficult waits have been when waiting for test results.
I specifically remember when my daughter was born. Down syndrome was suspected. We had to wait two weeks for a blood test confirmation…two weeks that felt like a lifetime. When we went to the doctor and she told me the results, she just grabbed me and hugged me. I will never forget it. Never.
Waiting for a diagnosis, then waiting for this doctor and that doctor, this surgery and that surgery, this health issue and that health issue. It was all new and it was all terrifying.
Waiting teaches us things that we are typically too stubborn to learn otherwise. It teaches us patience (begrudgingly). It teaches us to lean on our faith. It teaches us to understand the importance of every small moment.
Living inside your head while waiting is not always a happy place to be. Waiting is hard. It can be heavy. It can be lonely.
I believe waiting teaches us so much. It doesn’t teach us the easy things, but it teaches us still.
It is so important to find people who are with you. Find people who will hold you in the waiting, people who will carry you in prayer, people who will listen without judgment, people who will drop everything and run to your side when you need them. It is important to know that you are loved and supported and heard. If you feel no one understands you, reach out to find someone who you can relate to.
The wait is heavy. Please don’t carry it alone.
#DownSyndrome #Waiting #TheLuckyFew
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