Friends, the breeze is gentle these days. I watch the backyard leaves flutter and loop in the air's caress. Their green is shiny and playful as they tumble back and forth tethered by their slender stems--all that life on one limb.
Under the shade of those trees, Wylie welcomed two friends--ones we've heard about her whole life and who have encouraged us in our journey with Trisomy-18 but had never met in person. Amazingly, that changed!
Our three little miracles checked each other out on the play mat (a Trisomy-18 favorite) and even splashed together in a tepid hot tub. What a sight! Their moms and I shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed the time. They were so kind and gracious to accept the invitation, make the trip, and get their sweet kids out to meet!
Trisomy-18 automatically gives us so much in common. We know the juggle of appointments, therapies, advocacy for our special-need child alongside the balance of caring for other children, spouse, household responsibilities, and getting SLEEP. We have endured crisis situations many times and have scars that remind us of those battles. So time together, a little break from the work and norms of life, matched those balmy breezes. How refreshing and pleasant!
This peaceful playdate experience occurred on the same day and served as a backdrop for the handing down of the SCOTUS decision. Imagining us like leaves on the backyard trees makes me think that our political climate along with inflation are like storms shaking our branches. The wind seems like it's going to rip us right off the branch. Our loss of control and the swirling can terrify us soul-deep. I'm thinking of you in this, friends.
Are you holding on okay? Would you let me know if you aren't?
In the same way that the Trisomy-18 friends’ camaraderie strengthened and encouraged our hearts, being present for each other as fellow human beings making our way in the world meets a need we all have no matter our politics.
We can be in this together. Each of us being a person automatically gives us a lot in common. We can sit on the back porch and talk. We can share our stories and remember that we are not alone at all.
