Blog 10
February 15, 2022
So here we are, riding the wave of “Valentine’s Day” this week. All is well and things are finally settling down. However, I couldn’t help but think about what showing love, compassion, and respect looks like in my life now. I can tell you with certainty it is much different than I how used to perceive it. The love, respect, and compassion was always there but perhaps could have used more depth and insight…the ability to feel what others were feeling.
Zach has changed my life for the better and I couldn’t be more grateful for that but having a child with a disability certainly has opened up my eyes to the world. How other’s show respect as well as compassion and the need to practice this more in the world than it has been. This is certainly not a new issue and I’m sure, will not be the last time that this pulls on my heart strings.
When Zach was first born, we were inundated with healthcare providers watching over Zach, with each one playing a very important role in his healthcare in general. They were ALL amazing and we are forever thankful for their wonderful care. However, emotions were running high in the beginning, so it was overwhelming to take in at times, but we eventually adjusted. From our experience, there was one person who stood out.
It was just two days after Zach was born, and this person entered the room to introduce themselves. This person was very sincere (and well intentioned) but made the mistake of asking us “if we had a name a picked out yet.” I was very taken back by the question. In my mind, Zach was always loved and had a name very early in the pregnancy. I’m pretty sure it was something as simple as the hospital just hadn’t had a chance to update their records, which is very understandable (I get it), but still it struck a chord with me; especially given the nature of everything. I found myself trying so hard to fight back angry tears. I understand it was a genuine mistake, but it made me realize how important it is to be informed as a person and as a healthcare provider (I am referring to myself because I also work in healthcare).
Whether you have a child who has disability or not, teaching them respect and compassion for themselves and others is so important. The words you say and you how you say them can impact a person significantly. So, keep it simple. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Address a person by their name. Our name was given to us for a reason, and this is the most simple form of respect because our name is part of our identity. This is Zach. Sure, he has Down syndrome, but he is also so much more than his diagnosis. We love you, Zach!!