Th ree weeks ago we participated in our second annual "Buddy Walk," a walk for Down syndrome awareness. This year I was extremely excited as the diagnosis wasn't as "fresh" as it had been the year prior and I knew I would enjoy myself a bit more this go-around. Last year I participated in the walk with my five month old in tow, but only with severe anxiety and a feeling of "it's the right thing to do." It was the first time I had been around a group of children and young adults with Down syndrome and I was scared of what I might see. I was terrified of that glimpse into what my future might hold for myself, my family...for Gabby.

I left the walk last year feeling okay about the future...it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Nothing happened that made me want to throw in the towel or anything which is honestly what I was expecting. Thus, the healing process began as I accepted that this wasn't a death sentence and life would indeed move forward. Still, when I think about attending that walk last year, the feelings are still so fresh in my mind. It was such a sad, dark time in my life but I did get through it...because I had to.

This year, we had a huge team with loads of spirit. We wore bright yellow shirts that read "Gabalicious" across the front and hot pink tiaras upon our heads. We were PROUD to be a part of this elite club and we represented to the fullest. We chatted and took pictures with friends that we had met along our journey who were also a part of "the club." Last year I would have never imagined we would be so "happy" to be at this walk and with such enthusiasm at that. It was such a fun day but there was one particular moment that I will never forget and that will touch my heart for the rest of my life.

As I mentioned, we have met some amazing families throughout the past year. We keep in contact on a regular basis and get the "chromosomally enhanced" babies together when we can. Through a couple of our new friends, I was introduced (via internet) to another mom who was expecting later this year. She had contacted me through facebook and let me know she would be attending the walk and that she would be on the lookout for me. I told her I looked forward to it and that we'd be in bright yellow shirts. Sure enough, as we first were getting set up at the walk, I felt a little tap on my shoulder as this sweet woman asked "Are you Sheree?" I smiled and immediately gave her a big hug. She was quick to ask where my princess was and I scrambled to find my baby amongst our team so I could introduce my amazing girl to this amazing mother. Soon enough, I found Gabby and brought her over to Amy, who quickly asked to hold her. I passed her over and the love and warmth I felt as Gabby entered her arms is something I don't think I could even try to explain. Tears began to instantaneously fall from Amy's cheeks and once I saw this, I lost it. At that moment, I knew I had met one of the bravest people I would ever meet in my lifetime and I was overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation.  

As we stood there together, I flashed back to the year prior. I had my baby in my arms and I was so scared. I was emotionally drained and was only starting to thaw from that numbness I had been experiencing for the past five months. I snapped out of my daydreaming state and just looked at Amy and her family oooh-ing and aww-ing over my baby as they cried tears of joy. Amy knows the diagnosis of her unborn child and here she was, pregnant belly and all, standing in front of me at the Buddy Walk?!! Are you kidding me?!

I was and have been in complete awe of Amy who is expecting her baby girl next month. Had I been in the same situation as Amy, I can guarantee with absolute certainty that I would never have been able to put on my walking shoes and attend such an event. Her attitude is admirable to say the least. I am so grateful that she had the guts to make the decision she did. She is simply amazing and left such an imprint on my heart. She will be an unbelievable mother, no doubt about it!