My First Meet

Not sure if this is the right place to put this post but here we go! :-)

The Weekend on the 7th November 2010 Sophia and I went to Seaworld on the Gold Coast for our first meet up with some of the mums from this forum (or any families of children with DS ) I was looking forward to meeting some other mums and dads of children with DS however a little nervous about the whole thing too. Just wondering if I was really ready to take this step. (I now realise that you now need to jump in feet first.)

First at seaworld Sophia and I met Robyn and Amarli, Trish and Jodie and Dorothy and Megan. We had an awesome day out seeing the dolphins, seals, going on some rides having lunch and just getting to know a little about everyone.

Back at the unit after settling in we went for a swim in the cold pool and warmed up in the spa. we then started to meet some of the other families (Sorry everyone not the best with names) sitting down for a bbq dinner which is when I had a break down. Now I am not ashamed to admit it that yes I did break down and cry and cry and cried a little more. I said to myself I just don't know if I am ready for this ready to meet so many people with the same future that I have coming my way. I don't know exactly what set it off it was just so confrunting I suppose about what I didn't know all that much about.

When the ladies seen that I was upset they were the first ones to came and talk to me about how I was feeling and that they had also felt the same way when they first met other mums in the same situation. I say and spoke to Carolyn and then to Trish about it all and came to the realisation that it's all going to be okay. I need to be there for Sophia like any mum for any *typical* child or otherwise. Sophia needs the same as any other child love, compassion, guidence and a mum/dad/family who will be there for them no matter what. (how different if that to any other family) After I had settled down, had a shower and a cup of tea :-p I seen the world in a much brighter light. And after a good nights sleep it seemed better still. Waking up and thinking that today is a new day and a new start for me for Sophia and to be the best mum for her that I can be.

I am only putting this here in the hope that new mums will read this and never think again that have to deal with all this alone. I thought I had to and realise that I have now made some new friends that are extremely knowlaedgable people who have some fantatic ideas and knowing when to see doctors for tests and have all been there before you. So to all you new mums out there to these beautiful DS children put yourself out there and be ready to cry for your first time as it is only natural but after you cry be ready to laugh and enjoy your new found friendships. You will always have some times that are going to be hard but then you know that you can come here and vent it out get some great advice and feel much better about everything so go on Give it a go you just don't know what you are missing.

Thank you to all the families at the QLD meet up you made everything so much brighter.

*like* I'm so glad you got to meet them all

Sounds wonderful Deb! And they are right

So touching Deb. I missed out on meeting you and your gorgeous girl but as you are only in T'ba I am sure our paths will cross shortly. Our family and friends are invaluable but sometimes we really need people that have been in our shoes to truly understand what is worrying us hey. Glad you now feel comfortable and don't feel alone.

Thanks for sharing.

I love meet ups because day to day there is just me and the kids and Talitha and it is great to meet with others and get input from other people who 'get it'.

I am glad you had a good experience. I wish we could have been there.

That's exactly it Tigger people who "GET IT" people can be very supportive but they really doen't get what you are honestly going through! :-)

Sounds like you had a wonderful time Deb - good for you and Sophia I hope to meet up with everyone one day too - Rowan's only 10 months old so we have plenty of time!!

Hi deb,
Glad we could help you, you are doing a greta job and loved my cuddles from Sophia....

Agreeing with Trish. Glad we could be there to go through this with you. And as Trish said, you are such an awesome mum.
Thanks for sharing this here. I think it's really touching that you are sharing this for other new mums!
Was lovely to see you again, and would love to meet up again in Toowoomba sometime:)

Deb,
I'm so glad to see that you had a great time.. See, I said you would have nothing to worry about and that they are a great bunch.. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you, but there is always next time..

Thankx Ladies I am sure we will all get to see each other again! :-)

Such a positive post Deb. I think it is great. I am sure it will be read many times in the future as we get new members.

I am so glad to hear that you and Sophia had a wonderful time.

Thanks for sharing this Deb

I still remember the first time I met other Mums with kids with DS- it was at a "meeting" set up by DSANSW- nothing like walking into a room full of Mums who are all there for the same reason