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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Buddy Walk

On Saturday our family participated in the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome. Each of the kids raided their penny banks to donate to the cause.
A teacher at McLoughlin was in charge of it this year and he had a great turnout of MAC teachers and staff.
Before Branson was born his ultrasound showed that the bones in his legs were not growing at the right pace and there was way too much amniotic fluid. We were told that our unborn baby may have Down Syndrome. Later when more tests showed the same results over time we were told that there was a 1 in 30 chance that our baby had Down Syndrome. After a good cry on the drive home, I thought, "bring it on." I have no other kids home during the day. I have all the time in the world to take care of one of Heavenly Father's special children. I felt an immediate calm that lasted through the rest of my pregnancy. Branson was not born with Down Syndrome, but I am grateful for the knowledge that a loving Heavenly Father gave me that if we had been sent one of his choice spirits our home would have been blessed.
It was a well organized event with free pizza, pop and snacks, music and activities for the kids. I did have to laugh though. On every turn of the mile loop there was a batch of local cheerleaders cheering us on, pom poms and all, "Your almost there! Way to go! All right!" As I watched everyone walk by, completely ignoring the cheerleaders while they smiled and bounced away I thought, "Wow...that used to be me." When I cheered for Pasco high and then later at BYU we were often asked to support things like this, but I think I will save all that for another post.


15 comments:

Debie Spurgeon said...

What a marvelous family event. It's essential to teach our kids to embrace everyone, no matter what their circumstances. You were blessed to have the peace you needed during your pregnancy. I'm feeling a lot of uncertainty at the moment, but regardless of the outcome, things will be OK.

SuzanSayz said...

Amy I just knew that you were the kind of person who would love and embrace a mentally disabled child! They really are some of Heavenly Father's most choice little spirits. I don't know if you read my post from last week about Shawn, but he is such a delight to me and I thank Heavenly Father for letting me be Shawn's mom.
That is so wonderful for your family to participate in the buddy walk. If my knees weren't completely shot I would have been there as well.
Kudos to you for teaching your children such good lessons.

Alicia Leppert said...

Amy, this was such an awesome post. I have always had a special place in my heart for people (kids) with Downs Syndrome, I just love them. I loved what you said about Heavenly Father's special spirits. It's so true. And I loved that you said "bring it on." I remember you saying that when you first told me the news about Branson possibly (probably?) having Downs and I was amazed at your peace and strength. You are awesome.

rip said...

How cool of you and your family! What a neat memory for your kids. Hopefully, they will think their little bit made a difference to someone very special.

Bren's Life said...

What a Great Cause! I have always had a special love for Down Syndrome people.. I used to think that I would have a baby with Downs & was so excited. Maybe someday we'll be foster parents to one.
But right now the thought of another baby ugh!!! is all I can say..

Clan of the Derek said...

You have a great family, I really enjoy reading your blogs. You are amazing with all the stuff you do in your ward and in cub scouts. I have to say that I am right there with you about clueless mom, I know cub scouts, but when my son went into boy scouts I had no idea what he was doing. I think we'll figure it out, maybe after all of our boys get their Eagles, hope you can make it to our day camp meeting.

Shellee

Melissa Mae Johnson said...

Thats awesome! Way to go, Cazier Fam!

Kris said...

I heard about this event. How neat to be able to go and participate. Good for you Amy. Loved this post. So sweet!

Ms. Kristen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ms. Kristen said...

You could've shown those girls how to cheer the right way!
Rah! Go Team!
Your family is too cute!
Love your little guy! You were cool as a cucumber during your pregnancy!

Robin Beck said...

Amy... I just love you, you are such a special person. I wish more people were like you.
You are very blessed with that family of yours...They are beautiful-And that Branson caught my heart with the very first photo I ever saw of him!

Robin~♥
P.S. I see you lost some weight! Congrats!

aubrey said...

What a neat thing for your family to be involved in, so cool!

Oh, and I will be checking your blog everyday for those cheer pictures!!!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Unknown said...

oh yeah, cheerleading pictures BRING 'EM ON!
love your post. you would love the book 'raising adam'. well, you might like it. i loved it. check it out and see and let me know.

Mikki said...

WAy to go! That's so awesome, such a great cause too.
I feel the same way. I just love Downs kids. I think they're so special and have the sweetest spirits. I had to have counciling during this last pregnancy because of my age, I was in a higher risk category for Down's babies. But I just kept thinking, it didn't matter if I was carrying a down's baby--there is no way I would ever abort. They're just too precious!

Jodi said...

That's an awsesome experience for your family. I didn't even hear about the walk. That would have been a great thing for our family to do too. Again, you're awesome!