Dear Friends

Child with Down syndrome (not Theo)

*Disclaimer*

This letter is not written for anyone in particular. All of my friends and family have accepted Theo for who he is. This letter is intended to get people thinking about how they treat those who are different than they are.

Dear friends, family and whomever is listening,

I write to you today because sometimes I get the feeling that you don't know what to say to us. You seem lost for words, incapable of comprehending the journey that we have been on ever since Theo was born. It has been a long road, I'll give you that. One with which most don't have to travel.

That being said, we don't want your apologies or pity. There is nothing you should be sorry for. By saying that, often it comes off sounding as if you are sorry that Theo is the way he is. I can tell you, I am not sorry. Life had been hell for the first half a year of his life, but I wouldn't change a thing. This is Theo. He may need a little extra help, but that's okay.

There are a few important things that I want you to understand about him:

1. He is the most adorable baby I have ever seen in my life. I know every mom says that about their child, but I'm not joking. He was born with a full head of hair and a faux hawk you just want to play with all day. He has beautiful blue-gray eyes with Brushfield spots that make me wish I could have eyes like his. He’s got this tiny little button nose and lips that he loves smacking when he’s hungry. If you look at his individual features, he looks a lot like me. However, he makes these cute little expressions that remind me of his father.

2. He is the happiest baby I have ever met. He never cries or screams. In fact, the first time I ever heard him cry was when he got his two month vaccinations. It was soul crushing how sad he was. Suffice to say, he got all the cuddles that day. When he is not being poked and prodded at, he is often smiling and playing. Theo is more than happy to sit and read books with me until he starts nodding off. He loves listening to music and dancing with me. Not to mention he is a huge flirt. He is always staring at and talking to the ladies. It is the sweetest thing you'll ever see.

3. Theo is a Heart Warrior. He was born with three holes in is heart and a ventricle that needed split into two. This is what is referred to as AVSD. On top of that, he also had a vascular ring that wrapped around his esophagus, which made it harder and harder for Theo to eat as he got bigger. In May, he got heart surgery to fix these issues. The surgeon was able to fix everything with one surgery and Theo has since recovered beautifully.

4. He just so happens to have an extra copy of his 21st chromosome.

Please take note: Theo is first and foremost a baby. One with beautiful features and the sweetest personality. His diagnosis does not define who he is. Not the heart disease nor the down syndrome. He should be treated the same way you would treat any other child.

We, as a family, don't want your pity or apologies. Yes, life has been hard for our little guy so far, but replace your sorries with congratulations, your pity with excitement. There is so much to celebrate. Theo has already been through so much in his short seven months, more than most. He is the strongest person I know. He deserves to be treated like everyone else. He deserves a chance to show us what he is capable of.