You are going to get a few more details....

I have been keeping this blog pretty regular since March 2005 and I have never really used it to make my point or a statement of any kind. When I tell people that I have a blog I usually say, "Oh, it just for the grandparents and all of our out of town friends and family."

I get asked every few months if my telephone number can be given to a family that has just learned of their child's diagnosis of Down syndrome. When that I happens I almost always say, "Sure, and when you give them my telephone number share my blog address with them. That way if they aren't up to talking just yet they can at least see what Ryan is up to and meet our family via the world wide web."

Well, several things have happened in the past few months that have made me consider writing more about my thoughts concerning raising a special needs child and sharing stories about our family. One of the first is that this blog may be a way to educate others about how wonderful it is to have a child with Down syndrome. Back in February of this year the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolgist started recommending that all women under 35 be screened for Down syndrome. That doesn't sound so bad until you hear that at least 85% of pregnancies in which Down syndrome is diagnosed are ended by abortions. I have known all along that the rate is high but hearing that it's 85% sent me into a tailspin. I know I am probably outside the norm, but I declined all screening. I live by the motto, "ignorance is bliss." It works for me. But let it be known that I am not saying women should not be screened; they should if that's what they want, but doctor's offices should be prepared to give up-to-date, and positive information about whatever diagnosis they may have to deliver. They should not neglect to recognize the rich and fulfilling lives that are possible for people with disabilities.

My second reason for wanting to blog more is for enjoyment. I have kept paper journals for years. Yes, I have stacks of old notebooks that date back to junior high. Hmmm....maybe I should burn those. And since I am terrible at keeping the kid's baby books up-to-date, maybe the Upstate Update can help me keep a record of what is happening with Ryan and Lilly.

And my final reason is to appease my fans. Okay, well, maybe now I am getting carried away. But I do know that there are several people that read my blog regularly, so maybe they would like to know a bit more of what's on my mind. Oh, but there will always be pictures of the kids, don't worry.