I was uncomfortable around people with disabilities. I turned the other way because I didn’t know how to act around them. Naturally, I never wanted to be the mother of a child with a disability. I was not cut out for the job, I didn’t “fit in” with those parents.

No wonder I struggled so much with my daughter’s diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Amazing how grief can turn to love, and how love can transform a life. God showed me how broken I was and began working in me through my daughter. Suddenly, I had a purpose and passion for life I never had before. “Those people” became my people. This was always a part of God’s plan for my life, I even heard Him speak to me, I just didn’t understand what it meant. Now I do.

This weekend, I attended a meet up for the International Down Syndrome Coalition  (IDSC). It was amazing to be surrounded by other families that have kids with Down syndrome. I have been a part of many groups throughout my life, but nothing like this before. There is a bond and a connection we have instantly. None of us were strangers, we were all a part of something that extended beyond us. It united us. We were connected.

And I thought, this is where I belong.

One of these girls is not like the others! In this little group, only one girl does not have a special need. Two princesses with Down syndrome, and two princesses with cerebral palsy.

Disability was something that scared me. Now, as the mother of 2 kids with special needs, I find myself feeling grateful to be a part of the special needs family. Yes, grateful! I guess this might be something that you get when you belong to our community. Because this is where I belong.

And to make things better, Nina’s best friend since they were babies at the orphanage came along with her family. They recently adopted a little girl with Down syndrome. These friends have become like family to us. We love them, and our friendship bonds us tight as we do this crazy life together.