Down Syndrome Awareness and Advocacy Day 11: Forgiving Myself

This picture perfectly sums up what I have had to tell myself over and over regarding my initial reaction to Jackson's diagnosis. Among other things, I didn't think I was strong enough to be a mom of a child with special needs. And then I would think to myself, "What kind of person thinks that?" Though I have since learned my reaction was not unique, while going through it, I felt like I was the worst person/mother ever. 

The saying "Knowledge is power" is somewhat cliche, but spending time increasing my knowledge of DS has empowered me to advocate for our son and forgive myself.