Tough Kids (disclaimer: this post was stolen from a FB friend)

I've been thinking how a lot lately how tough kids with DS are. Not only do they struggle with things that come so easily to other kids but many of them have serious health issues. Like my little M. who has had three major bowel surgeries, open heart surgery and spinal fusion, not to mention the countless number of outpatient ear and eye surgeries (of which we have another this Friday and I've literally lost count to what number this is but am pretty certain we get a set of steak knives.). And we are not the only ones.  So many of our friends have had heart issues, bowel issues, sinus, ear, eye, reflux, oral aversions, leukemia, you name it.  I've been thinking particularly of our friend Bobby who is three today and in the hospital for the umpteenth time with heart issues. He's already had two open heart surgeries and faces another not to mention, a G-tube, and other issues. So next time you see someone with Down Syndrome, remember they not only have developmental and physiological delays that make it difficult for them to do certain things, but many of them have had numerous hospitalizations and/or medical issues. And ask yourself if you could endure all that they have; I know I couldn't. So Happy 3rd Birthday Bobby. You are an amazingly tough little boy who is full of joy and love and has two amazing mamas.  We love you.