Happy Birthday Jimmy

Twenty four years ago, the most amazing little person entered my life. And I am such a better person because of him. When Jimmy was born, it was suspected that he had Down syndrome but it wasn't suggested to me until the next morning (before any of my family had arrived) as I sat alone in my hospital room. Here I was, 21 years old and just told that my son may have Down syndrome. Of course, I was in tears and afraid. But not because of the reason you may think. I did not cry over the perfect child that I lost. I didn't cry over the child I dreamed he was going to be. None of my hopes and dreams were crushed. Because I did not have dreams of a perfect child. I just didn't. I prayed for a healthy child that would grow up to be a good person. And that's just what I got (I don't consider Ds as unhealthy) and so much more. So why were there tears and why was I afraid? Because I did then, what I still do today, I worried about the future. I worried that he might die. I worried that no one would be his friend. I worried that other kids would make fun of him. I envisioned him being made fun of and feeling sad that no one would play with him. All I wanted to do was take him home and love on him...protect him from the cruel world that I felt surely would be mean to him...........If I only knew how WASTED those tears were. This kid of mine had friends from the moment he first walked through the school door. Kids gravitated around Jimmy with his outgoing personality and hilarious sense of humor. They still do! He had a blast in highschool and was far more popular then I ever dreamed of being. He even was elected to the Homecoming court his senior year! Yes, my friends, those tears many years ago were so wasted. And now 24 years later, on the anniversary of Jimmy's birth, I am reminded of how God gave me the child I had always hoped for but with a little something extra.:) Happy Birthday Jimmy, I love you, I admire you and truly wish I could be more like you. You are my hero....a precious gift that I don't deserve but am so, so THANKFUL for!



A trip down memory lane....





Our beautiful Jimmy

born November 9, 1986



3 months old



2 years old (my favorite picture of Jimmy)



2 years old



Jimmy 6, Ben 2



Jimmy 7 Ben 3



Jimmy 8



Jimmy 24