Monday 6 August 2012

Things I've taught my Daddy

It's been a very hectic few weeks, even months and I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a moment of peace like I am right now. The kids, alongside their Mum, uncle, aunty, grandparents and cousins have all gone for a walk and I'm sat here by the river soaking up the tranquility. It's as if I've just taken all my stresses and worries of everyday life and chucked them in and watched the river carry them off downstream. A perfect moment and a great opportunity to write a few words.

There hasn't actually been a great deal for me to write about Rosie's progress this past week other than the fact she's babbling more than ever which is just wonderful to listen to – so entertaining, I wish I could bottle it up and save it for rainy days, I've captured a bit of it on video which will have to do! I've also been busy concentrating on a couple of ideas I've had in a bid to help eliminate common mis-conceptions often associated with DS, a little series of photos/posters I'm calling, 'Things I've taught my Daddy'.

It's always been important to me since I started The Future's Rosie that I don't come across as 'preaching from a moral high ground'. The reason I wanted to write in the first place (apart from getting things off my chest) was to help inform others what life is really like raising a child with Down's syndrome (DS). The drive to inform didn't come from other people's mis-conceptions but rather from my own ill informed pre-conceived ideas and total lack of knowledge. I was shockingly ignorant to many things relating to DS. It all seems so obvious now.

I don't expect the world to just change their perceptions overnight simply because I now have a child with DS, BUT I can hopefully play my part (no matter how small), through The Future's Rosie etc to help shift the way one or two people think and who knows, maybe someone reading this blog might one day find themselves facing a similar situation and feel better equipped to deal with it. I'm sure, upon reflection, when we were first told Rosie had DS had I been more aware and focussed on what it is rather than what it isn't – what I'd gain rather than what I thought I'd lost then my initial shock and fear would have been far less great.

So in a bid to do a bit more away from the blog to raise positive awareness I've put together a couple of visuals which I hope can gently inform people without patronising them. There are many thoughts associated with Down's syndrome that are in fact 'myths'. I've included the images/posters below and would be delighted should you wish to grab them and download for sharing around social media sites or blogs etc.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support. x










18 comments:

  1. What a lovely blog. My little grandson Aidan was born last September and also has Down's Syndrome. He is a wee charmer just like Rosie. My husband has just been playing your video and I thought it was Aidan. He has just started to babble and each milestone is wonderful. All the hard work and love pays lots of dividends and gives so many rewards.

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    1. Thank you for your comment, I must say Aidan sounds like a real charmer indeed :)
      Best wishes from camp Rosie.x

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  2. Great, informative blog Tom & Karen. It's good to hear you guys are 'getting on with things' well. Rosie is a beautiful little girl, she looks cool. Thanks for sharing your story!
    Also, you inspired me to start a blog about my life with Primary Progressive MS so thanks again!
    http://handcyclefored.blogspot.co.uk/
    @Tom, I'm glad you're good, not seen you since school, 20 years ago! :o
    Ed Slater

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    1. Thanks Ed. Nice to hear from you - only just realised we weren't friends on FB! Not sure how that slipped the net. Keep up the blog its a great read and really hope you reach your target. I've shared the page on FB.

      Good luck and best wishes fella.

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  3. Wonderful post. We will change those perceptions one at a time, just you wait and see. Keep up the good work x

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    1. Thanks Hayley, always especially flattered when you like the post! As you say one at a time! My feelings for the future grow more and more positive each day. Love to you all. x

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  4. I'm popping in for the BritMums round-up which will go live tomorrow and I have watched your video of Rosie, I have the hugest smile on my face - thank you

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    1. Thank you! She tends to have that impact on alot of people. Love to read that she makes others smile, thank you for taking the time to comment.

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  5. Found your blog through BritMums round-up. Rosie is so beautiful. I love the posters you have created and will be sharing them on my Facebook page.

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    1. Thank you for your kind comment and especially for sharing the posters :)

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  6. I have just posted your beautiful posters on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/savingdowns and already they are being shared. I've also included a link to your blog. Saving Downs is based in New Zealand and we advocate for people with Down syndrome in relation to genetic screening. As well as raising awareness of the issues around antenatal screening for Down syndrome we also like to promote positive stories and pictures of children and adults with Down syndrome. Thank you for encouraging all of us to share your posters. - Stella

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    1. Thank you Stella, I'm really touched that you chose to share the posters – I'm also really chuffed they appear to have been well received. I shall enjoy following your FB page and seeing all the good work people are doing to raise positive awareness. Best wishes from Britain :)

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  7. AW i love your little posters!-Could help so many people, I've had friends and family tell me, and my mum, they feel sorry for my brother because he's got Downs... It grinds me when they say it, because just because a child is born with Down Syndrome, and given a label & granted looks different, doesn't mean they want your pity or need it! They want the same as everyone else & probably enjoy life more than most!! WELL DONE YOU

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  8. Awsomme :) my little guy has Ds too, he has changed me and my whole familys life, he is the most amazing, inspiring, beautifull little boy and i feel so happy that he is in our lifes!!

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  9. Rosie is so cute!! My little man has Ds too, he has changed me and my whole families lifes, he is the most amazing, and inspiring person I have ever met, Im so happy he is in our lifes!! Thanks for sharing your little one! my friend sent me your Fb page and i will definatly be following :)

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  10. I'm really enjoying reading these inspiring posts which I came across through the blog hop #DSAM2013. The posters are adorable. :)

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  11. I love those pics!
    I nodded along, "I don't expect the world to just change their perceptions overnight simply because I now have a child with DS" - But then again, some days I must, because I'm always still surprised at what people don't know. That's why we're here, right?

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  12. The posters are amazing-but it really helps having such a gorgeous model! :)

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