The Down Syndrome Bloggers Network group monthly prompt for December is “What is one intangible gift you want to give to your child?”

When my three year old is asked to choose just one thing she really struggles.  If she picks up wrist bells from a group’s music box she has to have at least four, one for each wrist and ankle and preferably a few more in her hands as well.  One item from the songbag becomes a pile in front of my feet.  One toy from the shop usually translates as a minimum of one for each hand.

It turns out she might get it from me.  When I first thought about the Down Syndrome Bloggers Network group’s December prompt what one intangible gift I would give to my children a whole list quickly formed in my mind.

IMG_5841[1]It’s quite normal to have lots of hopes and dreams for your children’s future and, whilst you bemoan how quickly the time goes, you also want to fast forward to see the adult they’ll become and the results of the paths they will choose and whether or not they take any notice of any of the signposts you indicate along the way.

I guess when you have a disabled child those aspirations become slightly coloured, assumptions underlying them unsettled.

I know that Faith may require an extra dose of all the strengths you wish for any child.

Determination is key and fortunately Faith is currently displaying no shortage of this.  If the road to success is trying hard then, even if she takes a little longer than typical, she’s sure to reach her goal.

But, as we head towards the time of year that celebrates peace, perhaps we should focus on the present rather than projecting ourselves into crystal ball imaginings.

So I will choose patience as the gift I would procure for her if I could.  Patience with herself, patience with a society that seems obsessed with pushing forward when we could be enjoying the moment, patience with people who don’t always show the kindness they should to those of differing abilities they lack the understanding of and patience with her mother as she learns to navigate this new world alongside her.

And maybe if I manage to get enough patience for her, a little bit could rub off on me too.

Read more from the Down Syndrome Bloggers Network on the theme of one intangible gift:
Bean Post Farmstead – A Priceless Gift: Instilling a sense of purpose in our children
Cedar’s Story – Intangible Gifts: The Gift of Opportunity 

Trista Park – Joy to the World