It was long ago. We’ve all been there so I’m not shy to tell it. Plus I want to bring the amazing side of Down Syndrome Awareness to everyone reading.
I was at the end of my rope. I had just received a phone call that made everything in life even worse. I felt my world was collapsing around me. I was lost. And with that one call, I had given up hope.
Too emotionally spent to even stand, I broke down in that big empty home. It was dark, dusty and cold. I cried with the heartache of a child. And all I could hear was my cries echoing back at me.
Then I heard JJ running up the stairs from his room.
He found me in my master bedroom on the floor, in the dark curled up against the bed. He knew to keep the lights off. He saw I was inconsolable.
And so instead of asking me what’s wrong like someone else might, JJ rocked me. He sat on the floor next to me and he held me tight. And he rocked me. And JJ told me:
“It go be okay. It go be okay. It go be okay. It go be okay” in perfect rhythm as he rocked me. “It go be okay. It go be okay.”
After a while JJ helped me to my bed. I was exhausted. He took my shoes off and kissed me on the cheek and whispered: “You go sleep now. It go be okay.”
Then JJ slowly and quietly walked out of the room. He closed the door behind him. I remember the hallway light and then it was gone. And I fell sound asleep. That was a rough night. And JJ got me through it. That night JJ was beyond his years. JJ has his limitations. He has cognitive delay. He stutters a bit conveying his thoughts.
But when it comes to moments of the heart, they’re compassionate and understanding with no conditions. That makes them genuine and real. We should all have a little bit of Down Syndrome in us. They’re way nicer people than we are.
Reaction to Jeff’s story:
“When I told my young grandson that my brother had Down Syndrome and what causes it, he thought it should be called Up Syndrome.” — Lois Robles Tefft
“You know how they say Down syndrome children are handicapped? I think it’s the non Down syndrome that are handicapped. Unconditional love is special.” — Jan Seagren
” I work with children that have special needs and some years we have a child with DS. They always give us unconditional love. And oh those hugs! They make my whole day! I feel blessed to work with special kids.” — Tina Briones
“This is so awesome! I have the honor to know Jeff and JJ in”real life” and they’re my friends. Jeff is an amazing Dad and JJ is just a beautiful soul. I’m glad other people get the chance to see what a wonderful pair these two are. Unconditional love is a two way street at their house! Love you guys!” — Vee Gonzales
About the Author:
This story was posted on Facebook by Jeff Church and is published here with permission. Submit your own story HERE.
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