A JOURNEY WITH BLAKE
I guess I can say that Blake has made me who I am today. Blake was born September 29, 1982. Prior to his birth, I silently knew that I was going to have a son with Down’s Syndrome, I guess mother’s know that sort of thing. At that time, I was working in a fast paced business, selling lumber wholesale in the Bay Area. Along with taking care of the house, my husband and 2 other boys, I would say I never had a moment to myself. I was the perfect example of the mother who tried to be everything to all.
When Blake was born, perfectionism came to a standstill. I was faced with a child that told me blatantly that life, as I knew it was not perfect. He was born with a heart defect, had to have 2 blood transfusions and later find out that the doctors did not think he was going to make it. My priorities quickly shifted. Blake needed my daily attention and I had to quit work. This was difficult for a person that identified with her job. I didn’t know who I was, never took the time to find out. Blake essentially forced me to go inward and discover who I really was.
I had always wanted to be an artist and never would think in a million years that it could ever happen. Just allowing myself to have this dream was a gift from Blake. He made me realize that life is too short, that it is important to know who you are, to take risks and be strong. Blake’s courage daily with a smile, gave me courage. As he learned to crawl and walk, (no easy accomplishment), I learned to draw and paint. There were no excuses.
Today I celebrate Blake’s Birthday with a tear of joy, thanking God that I was given this precious gift. Blake is my teacher. He teaches me daily, what a wise person he is.
Gifts from Blake, never give up, always have a smile, believe the best in people, patience, kindness, generosity, think of others first, always do your best, you can accomplish a lot more than you know and each day is a blessing, especially your Birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAKE!
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Janet,
Thank you for allowing me to see into your life like this. I did not have the chance to have this opportunity for growth, as my downs daughter Chris miscarried at 6 months.
Sincerely,
Gayle
Thank you for sharing this. My daughter, Carly (who has downs syndrome), turned 1 in July and each day is truly a blessing. Life has slowed down and become more amazing because of her.
Jason
Janet,
My husband (Jason, see post above) shared your blog with me. It’s so reassuring to read your thoughts and identify with another mother of a child with Down Syndrome. My daughter Carly is truly a gift. Although she cannot yet crawl at 14 months, the old soul that I see when I look in her eyes tells me that I have nothing to worry about and that she will crawl when she’s ready. Every morning she greats me with a smile and a hug. Whenever I’ve had a bad day, one hug from her melts all my worries and fears and assures me that all is right with the world.
Thank you again for sharing.
Mary Jane Fitch
Sacramento, CA
Thanks for sharing! Isn’t it wonderful to know how much of a blessing our children are when many others don’t? You know I used to get mad at people when they made Down syndrome the butt of a joke (ok I admit I still do), but now I feel bad for them because they don’t understand the blessings of their presence!
I have enjoyed your artwork and I am so glad that Blake has inspired you and encouraged this in you! Happy Birthday Blake!
This is soo touching Janet. What a wonderful Mom/ person you are and what a stroke of luck to have a son to bring that person in you.
Happy Birthday Blake!!
Janet your post is moving and heart warming. Janet you are an amazing talented artist. And I am blessed and honored to know you. Blake is very lucky to have you as his mom. And you are very lucky to have Blake as your son. Both of you are beautiful souls who share this journey of life together. As mother and son.
Every life is a blessing.
Lolly
Dear Janet,
You know your artwork is getting better, and better, and better. And this post about Blake so honors his life, and yours with him. It’s a beautiful expression of the Grace that has been with you all along. Thank you. Peace and continued good things for you and Blake.
Sincerely,
Diane
Dear Janet,
You and Blake are an inspiration. Together you have made my world a better place. Thank you for all that you share that graces our lives.
With the warmest of hugs
Jackie
Dear Janet,
I’ve commented about this before. I wanted to add that if I were teaching religious studies today, I would have my high school students read and respond to this. The “Christian Lifestyles” course prepares girls for marriage, for adulthood. Many of the young women are perfectionists in so many ways, not all of them health-ful. You have a picture of what only seems important, and what really is, for women (men too) at different stages in life. Thank you.
Janet, Congrads on celebrating the joy Blake brings to your life. You are lucky to have found yourself & what you truly wanted to do in your life so many people don’t.
I know on a small scale how difficult but fulfilling dealing with down’ syndrome can be. I use to help a neighbor growing up with her son. I applaud your courage & luckily to have found you as a friend on twitter.
Hugs,
Bill
Thank you Bill, I feel the same way about you thank you friend.
Happy Birthday Blake!
Accomplishments come in many shapes and sizes, and with many meanings. Having someone in your life that embraces his life as it is, that’s something to celebrate every day!
I’m really happy that your kid is who he is! And that he brings joy to your life, in spite, or sometimes because of life’s difficulties!