I Believe...

I believe...

• l worry too much, especially about things that are beyond my control. I try to talk myself out of this by repeating one of my many mantras. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don't.

• It is a parent's responsibility to tell their children what they want them to know about the important things in life. Let me explain with an example. I feel it is important that Lilly have accurate information about Down syndrome. Having a sibling with special needs is not going to be as easy as it is right now for her. One day one of her friends is going to ask, ''What is wrong with your brother?" or even worse they might stay "Is your brother stupid or something?" or "Retarded?" I hope to talk to her about these scenarios before they happen so she is not completely taken off guard. I also don't want Lilly to be in a situation where some kid tells her something he or she has heard about Down syndrome that is inaccurate and because she does not know the difference; she believes it.

• I have come to terms with Ryan's disability. I told someone as recently as a year ago that I would give Ryan a magic pill if it would take away Down syndrome. Don't pass judgement on me for being honest here. When Ryan was born a young nurse came to visit us in the hospital. The other staff thought she would be helpful because at the time her child with Down syndrome was 3 or 4. She told us that she wouldn't change a thing about her son; she would not take away the Down syndrome. I thought she was CRAZY. I now know and completely understand that the extra chromosome is what binds the Ryan I love together and without it he would unravel.

• Parents should always be honest with their children. Honesty is the foundation for trust now and in the future.