Cora's journey offers Kinship

During this journey with Cora I have continually been amazed, even astounded, at the Life Lessons I am gifted with.  Some of those, no, most of those lessons are taught to me by Cora herself.  However, yesterday I was rewarded with an opportunity that presented itself. 

I was Easter shopping for my kiddos with my mom and I was having a wonderful time.  Mom and I were wondering the aisle, talking and chatting, preparing for the Easter holiday that fast approaches. 

We traversed our way to the electronics aisle.  One of my daughters, although grown and in her twenties still loves a certain Disney character and we were looking for the latest movie as a gift for her.  I was completely engrossed in reading all the titles of the new releases when I glanced up and saw a woman pushing her buggy past.  “I think children movie over here” she said in broken but good English.  Aha, that is where I need to look for the movie!  I followed her and we both came to the appropriate aisle.  It was then she turned her buggy around and I noticed the child in the basket part of the buggy.  My eyes locked on a beautiful young girl with brown slightly slanted eyes, folded over angelic ears and long black hair tucked behind those wonderful ears. 

My breath caught as I was hit with the knowledge that she was born with Down syndrome.  This little girl was about 8 years old and had the most wondrous smile as she looked at me and then shyly tucked her chin.  

“Hello beautiful, how are you today?” I asked her gently. 

“Hello, Good.” She replied.  

The mother turned from her perusing of the movies and looked at me.  I knew that look.  The guarded but friendly look that instantly checks to see if her child is being greeted with genuine love and compassion, or bug eyed interest and barely veiled judgment.  I smiled at the woman and greeted her as well.

I explained that my daughter had been born with Down syndrome , was three years old, and it always warmed my heart to see children older than her as it gave me hope and goals for Cora’s future.  I quickly told her of how Cora had changed my life and the life of her siblings, and the woman spoke to me with excitement of her own, “They take big thing and make so small.  They change way to look at things”.  Despite the subtle language barrier we talked with each other for a few minutes.  Happily talking of the future we wanted for our daughters. 

 “Mama, I found it!” an enthusiastic voice interrupted us.  We both laughed at the happiness that was evident on her daughters face as she had found the movie she was looking for.I took that moment to politely excuse myself.  The woman looked at me and hugged me tightly and I hugged her back, envelope by the feeling that I was parting from a loved one who would be lost to me for years to come.  Her eyes filled with tears as she said to me, “Love her, that all, just love her.”  I smiled and told her, “Bless you and your Earth Angel.” I walked away smiling and feeling blessed by the encounter.

I am amazed and enthralled with the instant connection that I often feel with other mothers.  It happens time and again, no matter where I am or what I am doing, when I see a mother who also has a child with Down syndrome the connection is instantaneous.  We are drawn together like magnets and quickly become engrossed in sharing our stories and in the encouragement of each other.  No, it’s stronger than an instant connection.  It is a kinship!  A kinship that crosses cultural barriers and beliefs and binds two mother’s souls with complete understanding and acceptance of one another.  

I am grateful for the blessing I was again granted yesterday. The gift of kinship and understanding that comes from another parent who is EXACTLY in the same shoes that I am wearing.  

Have you felt this kinship with others?  Has your day been blessed by someone who is in the same situation as yourself?  Have you taken the initiative and started a conversation that you normally would not?  These are all opportunities for growth and blessings.  Take that leap of faith the next time you feel the nudge to say hello.  The blessing you may be granted just might change your life, maybe even your outlook.  You might be blessed with the encouragement to continue the journey your currently travel.  

Blessings,

K.K. Head
www.facebook.com/thegiftedchoice