A bunch of different thoughts, continued

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

I hadn't had the opportunity to check my e-mail for a few days, so

I'm catching up with you.

A few more thoughts. , I'm sure most of us can hear ourselves

when you speak. Your sadness pulled at my heartstrings. I remember

'mourning' after diagnosis. On and off I'd feel sad as I saw him

struggle or was aware of his differences. I hope the word mourning

doesn't seem too strong to you, but I believe we suffer some grief when

we discover our children's diagnosis. Relief and then grief.

I think it's really important that we are open to those sad

feelings, for the child we thought we might have. We, none of us,

expected this. And if we can allow ourselves this sadness, then we can

move through it onto the joy and pleasure in the beautiful, special

child we have. I think there's a real danger in trying to avoid the

sadness.......particularly, guilt. These are normal, natural feelings

and certainly don't mean we don't love our child. But mixed feelings is

part of the package.

I feel very proud and fortunate when I read the responses on this

list. has enabled me to " meet " a very special, loving group of

people. When I read each of your concerns and comments to one another,

I feel I'm personally touched. So, thank you. , I hope you can

feel the group hug!

Love, , Mom to age 15