Monday was World Down Syndrome Day.
A day that, just a few years ago, we had no idea even existed.
But now?
Well, this family has a whole lot to celebrate.
I’ve tried to chronicle our journey pretty transparently here. So if you’ve followed our story for long, you know that before Clementine came home this mama was crazy scared to adopt a child with Down syndrome.
Excited and could not wait to hold my baby, yes.
In love and thought she was the sweetest thing ever, absolutely.
But so stinkin’ scared.
And now, looking back, you know what? I was no fool to be scared. Because Down syndrome is a big deal.
And our girl has dealt with more than her fair share of obstacles since coming home almost a year-and-a-half ago. 
Doctor visits.
Medications.
Hospitalizations.
Surgeries.
Chest tubes and intubations and stitches and therapies and more broncoscopies than I care to count.
But you know what else? I had no clue how completely overshadowed those fears would be by the ridiculous amount of joy this child brings.
Wherever she goes… joy follows.
And perspective is everything.
Because her needs – and Down syndrome is just a part of those needs – are a whole lot more complex than we’ve ever parented before.
And her health has been even more fragile than we’d ever anticipated. 
But suddenly, it just really doesn’t matter.
And not because her needs have vanished. Nor has life suddenly gotten easier.
But joy. 
It just really does make all the difference. 
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. – John 15:11-12