Signs and sisterhood!

Do you ever have one of those goosebump moments in life?  I totally had one this morning....

Our FB group of moms of kids rockin' the extra chromosome is planning a midwest meet-up. We are in the midst of planning for the Chicago area since many of us are within reasonable driving distance. We haven't found a perfect spot just yet, until this morning, maybe. One of the suburbs we were looking at seemed to be a good fit, but now feels PERFECT! In talking to one of the Chicago-area moms from our group, it turns out it is super-close to one of the first Gigi's Playhouses!!  Now this may seem like an "ok. and...." moment, but for me it was a great sign that we are headed in the right direction (literally and figuratively!).  Gigi's Playhouses are gathering, informational and awareness centers for families touched by Down syndrome. There are several across the country.  I had never really looked into it more deeply than to know they existed and could be a support for us.  For us to unknowingly choose a location for our meet-up right near the original location feels like a huge blessing.  Wow.  Here is the website for Gigi's if you are interested.


I am SO looking forward to seeing some of the women and kids from our group in person.  It truly is incredible to meet people online and, because of the journey we are all on, feel so connected to them.  (much to our significant others' dismay -- see one of the dad's reactions to our FB Group here!)
 

 

Someone posted this and it is perfectly said. Although my friends and family have been so supportive, they just can't understand all that comes with our adventure. I am indebted to them each for their candid thoughts, willingness to share and open hearts to accept each of us as we are.  I never thought I would be so close to people I have never met in my life, but life has a funny way of surprising you sometimes.  All I know is that if I ever find myself on the west or east coasts, up north or down south, heck, even across a pond or two, I would have a friend to visit and a kiddo to hug! Miss Joelle--we are coming to Australia someday!

Sidenote:
I have to say, now I kind of get the online dating thing.  You really can get to know someone very well.  Hmmmmm....I never thought of it before, but maybe some of these "moms" are really not who we think they are.  Maybe they are teenage boys.  Or old, retired men with nothing but time on their hands....The beauty of Facebook! We will find out soon:)