Letters to Me: Dear Julie

I know right now you feel like the ground has shifted under your feet. The words you just heard, Down syndrome, sound heavier than you imagined even though you were expecting it. 

Your mind is spinning with questions. You begin to wonder if you are strong enough, if your child will be okay, if life will ever feel the same again.

Breathe Julie. You are going to be okay. Darcy is going to be more than okay.

The days ahead will not always be easy. You will encounter stares, unkind words, and moments when you feel judged or misunderstood. There will be paperwork, appointments, and late nights of worry. 

But these challenges will never define your journey. What will define it is the love, the joy, and the countless moments of pride that you will come to treasure.

Darcy will show you life through a new lens, one filled with patience, resilience, and kindness. He will laugh in a way that lights up every room, teach you to slow down and celebrate small victories, and remind you what really matters. He will make friends, chase dreams, and shine in ways you never thought possible.

And you will change too. You will discover courage you never knew you had. You will build a community of people who understand and lift you up. You will become a voice for inclusion, acceptance, and belonging, not just for Darcy, but for so many others.

So, hold your baby tight. Let the tears come, but let the hope in too. Life may look different than you imagined, but it will be richer, fuller, and far more beautiful than you ever dreamed.

Trust yourself. Trust Darcy. Love will lead the way.

Written by Julie, Ambassador Darcy's mum

Link to Julies 2021 Letters to me: https://www.celebratet21.com/post/letters-to-me-dear-julie