Will My Child Have A Friend?

When Reid was born and we learned of his diagnosis a thousand thoughts and fears flooded me...many of which went to his future. A scary place to be when my son was only a few hours old and I really didn't know much of Down syndrome at that point. But, one of the thoughts I had or something I questioned was will he have friends? My heart hurt as I thought of this and wondered.Recently Reid answered the question for me...not that I didn't know the answer much sooner then now as he has been enveloped and loved by so many especially Luke's friends who I can only imagine as big protectors and extra big brothers for him later in life...but recently Reid made a little friend all by himself! About 7 weeks ago Reid started what is considered "center based therapy" in place of some of our home therapy that he was receiving (Mary if you are reading this, we miss you and Infant Stimulation so much!!). Reid loves his little school and loves his little friend Elijah. You can see in the first picture that Reid was not too sure of him at first with his hands behind his back...but he was quick to warm up and these two are now the best little pals...in fact below you can see Reid tickling Elijah and hamming it up (Elijah is quite the ham himself and absolutely adorable!). 

All these pictures are from Reid's first day there. During circle time on the floor he decided he had had enough and decided to pull his socks off only to put them on his hands as puppets that he made talk to all the kids sitting around him. I watched Elijah watch him and sure enough....he pulled his socks off too. 

It was happening...Reid was making friends, a special friend at that. The director has told me several times that these two are like old souls who have found each other. Do you know how that absolutely made my heart sing?! She has even reported that Elijah has become Reid's body guard. Apparently a little girl had pushed Reid down on the playground and Elijah saw from a distance...put his own toy down... and came over to where they were and pushed the little girl down that pushed Reid. 

Recently I had the privilege of meeting Elijah's parents as we kept missing each other at drop off and pick up. I couldn't wait to tell his mom how much both Reid and I have fallen in love with Elijah and how much I love watching these two wave goodbye to me from the window with their arms around each other and faces shmooshed against the window (I have to get a picture of this...it is too cute!) and how Reid planted a big kiss on Elijah's lips one day as we were leaving. Well...in talking with Elijah's mom I came to find out that she has a younger sister who has Down syndrome. Hmnnn...was there something in Reid's little spirit that Elijah sensed that drew them close? She showed me pictures of her sister and she is absolutely beautiful and...how fantastic is this.... she is part of the cheerleading squad for her high school!! Zoey, Presley, Preslie, and Caydence cheerleading just might be in your future too!

Oh, where was that crystal ball when Reid was born that could of shown me glimpses of the future and showed me these pictures and told me of these moments that would of helped ease my heart when he was so tiny? No, no crystal ball to be had....just a journey of discovery with my little guy. What we have both discovered is that Down syndrome is not holding him back in any capacity....his life is full and filled with joy and special little friends. Thanks Elijah!