Inspiration

* quick note: There is no music, but on the bottom of this post click play on the video, This is the song I wanted for this post, but it is so new it was not available yet.


Inspiration, what is it? who gives it and who takes it, who decides what is inspirational?
n.

1. 
   
   
   
   1. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
   2. The condition of being so stimulated.

Today I came across this video.  And everything this definition gives is true, so I was inspired today.  And it had me thinking.  It gave me tears, a title, and a post.  And it will give many of you the same, I hope.

There is one tiny little person in my life that inspires me every single day.  I never thought someone so small and so new could pass on so much wisdom.  How can that be so, how can someone who is newer to this crazy world have more strength and more wisdom then me?  And as I still ask that question in awe, I still have no answer and I don't think I ever will.  This little person is Nevaeh.  Now if you don't know us or her then you might not know (or maybe you do know) that yes she had Downs Syndrome.  Trisomy 21.  There are some things that you need to know about Nevaeh... she is Nevaeh a little girl who once you meet, will capture your heart in a single smile.  She will show you and everyone else she has a personality and a sense of humor, she can walk, talk, laugh, cry.  She has feelings, and thoughts & will give you more love then you would have ever imagined.  Most people who meet her want to keep her.  And I really don't blame them, we hit the jackpot (with both our girls).
Nevaeh has under gone two major surgeries in the last 2 years.  One was open heart surgery at 6 months old.  They went in and repaired a hole between the right and left chamber.  Then the last (and it was her last) was to repair her forehead She had a in-dent that was formed due to her right skull plates fusing together prematurely in utero.  Causing her bone to cave when her head grows.  She is a very strong little girl who seems to amaze me and her daddy every day.
Now on to Trisomy 21 (DS).  People with DS have 3 21st chromosome where as I or you have only 2. There are many medical disorders that are associated with DS ie: hearing loss, or problems with eye sight, or like in Nevaeh's case heart defects.  In most cases people with DS are very likely to live a normal life living on their own, jobs, & families.
As Nevaeh's mom when I look at her I see a beautiful little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes.  I never see the physical features of DS, never.  So when someone brings it up who don't really know us I probably look confused or shocked, because I forget.  I forget she has DS.  Because there is so much more then that title, that judgment people have.
We have so many friends and family members who have welcomed Nevaeh with no judgments.  We are very lucky that way.  I really dislike putting Nevaeh in a different category or doing something different for her then I would for Maëlle, but lets be honest it is going to happen.  I also dislike it when people forget and are not aware of saying or doing things I find very offensive.  I could give you some examples, but I wont.  Do I say anything "no" should I? I don't know?  Now I am giving them the benefit of the doubt by saying "not aware".  I feel everyone should treat people the way would like to be treated.  I feel anyone deserves respect.  You wouldn't like it if a action or something you have no control over was poked fun of, or exaggerated?  Or what about that person who said they would be devastated if they ever had a child with special needs.  Devastated is such a strong word.  One to describe the earth quake in Haiti or the oil spill in the Gulf.  Do I have fears?  Sure of course I do,  I was worried? Still am.  Have I ever wondered what our life would be like.  Have I ever not wanted her, or not loved her, or wished for Italy?  Nope not once. We have so much more then Italy, we have Holland, and Italy!  We visit a new place every day! We are learning and we have our downs, but we have so many more ups.

So here is to many more ups, & many more things to learn.  Here is to love, life & laughter.  Here is to Nevaeh my little walking inspiration.  My little love!

"When I see your face

There's not a thing that I would change

Cause you're amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile,

The whole world stops and stares for awhile

Cause girl you're amazing

Just the way you are"

~Bruno Mars

~M

xoxo