Thank you to everyone who hung in there during the 31 for 21 Blog Challenge to raise awareness for Down syndrome! I’m going to quickly recap the month’s posts in case you missed any, and at the end will offer some final thoughts on the experience. Throughout the month, I…
…busted some common myths about Down syndrome
Trick or Treat: People with Down Syndrome Look the Same
Trick or Treat: People with Down Syndrome are Severely Mentally Retarded
Trick or Treat: Having a child with Down syndrome will ruin your life
…shared our life through images
Rethinking My Participation in the 31 for 21 Blog Challenge
…tackled some serious issues
MaterniT21 ™: The Prenatal Blood Test for Down Syndrome Is Here
In addition, I joined the series 7 Quick Takes, which was well received, so I decided to start my own Seven Snippets Fridays so that you guys could join in the fun. Come back on Fridays to link up (you can read more about it here).
I continued my weekly series, Sun-Beams, and threw in a few extra posts on random topics, such as Sarah Kate’s newly acquired skill, my thoughts on a blog that I was pretty sure some of you guys read, a craft project I started, and a tribute to Steve Jobs.
Whew. I did more than I realized this month.
When I began the 31 for 21 Blog Challenge this year, I was…lukewarm to the idea. I wasn’t sure I wanted to overextend commit myself to daily posts, because I wasn’t sure I could create enough quality content. You will have to be the judge of the quality, but I can say that I haven’t struggled to create – in fact, the new routine of posting daily actually made it easier for me to do so (who knew?)
Something else I’ve realized this month is that I’m at a crossroads with this blog.
Often, I feel like I’m “preaching to the choir” here, as the saying goes. Readers of my blog most likely agree with me about prenatal testing for Down syndrome and the power of language, and most have long since dispensed with believing the myths about Down syndrome.
A small part of me wonders if my blog needs to be more universally appealing, promoting the idea of “more alike than different” (yep, that’s right – I just said that in at least one aspect this blog should be more like KH’s blog). That part of me wants to work a little bit harder on my photography and spend a little more time writing humorous posts to which most moms can relate.
Another part of me, though, knows that I can’t just sit on the sidelines and keep quiet about the hard truths of our society that those of us in The Club can see so clearly.
So on this last day of the 31 for 21 Blog Challenge, I’d like to open the floor – I want to hear YOUR thoughts on Bringing the Sunshine.
What topics would you like me to cover here in the future? Is there an idea I’ve presented that you’d like to hear more about?
What questions would you like to ask? You name it and I’ll do my best to cover it – don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions.
And finally…how can I help Bring the Sunshine to your life – no matter the weather?
Prefer to ask me a question or send feedback privately? Use my contact form or email me at andi (at) bringingthesunshine (dot) com.
I love, love, love your humor and your honesty!! Tell me what I can do or say to not be a complete jerk when one of my friends has a differenly abled child. And keep the humor and pictures coming!!!
Jennifer
The best thing you can do is remember that we (kids AND moms) are more alike than different, and to act accordingly. Don’t be sorry, or feel pity – ask how you can help. That’s it.
I have learned so much from your blogs. I am an average grandmother with 2 exceptional grandkids. You have opened my eyes to another world of which I knew so very,very litte. I enjoy reading about the highs and the lows, the every day world, the links to other blogs. Also love the humor and the photos. I feel like I have grown and learned truths that will make me better, and hopefully help me make a difference in someone’s life.
Please continue your work – it is too important and enlightening to be put aside.
Thank you for bringing the sunshine in to my life.
Mr. Andi reads all of my blog posts, and occasionally reads the comments, as well. He mentioned tonight that this comment stuck out in his mind, because it showed him another segment of people that he hadn’t thought of before that could be reading and gaining something from the blog. Thank you for commenting.
I love hearing about everything and anything. There are alot of times I share your blog with my family and friends. In some ways you say it better and I am able to communicate my wants or issues to them. I enjoy getting an extra dose of Sunshine from your blog. Besides my baby girl loves seeing videos/pictures of Nathan and Sarah Kate. I have shared your blog with a friend of mine that also is in “the club” and she loves it and I figure she can spread the word about your blog to more people. It only takes one person to have the ripple effect of spreading the word that our children are more alike than different. I was inspired by the blogging community that I also did the 31 days on my FB page: I posted my stories, shared other stories or even just had a picture of my baby girl and in turn several of my friends shared on their FB pages what I shared. If there is one thing your blog taught me is it’s ok to share. I have always been a very private person and sharing my thoughts and feelings so open like in the FB forume is just so out of the box for me, but it’s may way of getting it out. The other thing your blog makes me realize is it’s ok to have those days and at times it seems like we have alot of them and it’s ok.
I used to be a more private person, as well, Kelley. I’ve come to find, though, that the more I open up and let people in, the more blessings I receive in return. Sure, it’s scary, but for every negative experience there’ve been a hundred positive ones. Thank you for doing what you can help me show the world that we are all more alike than different.
I really do love your blog. I have enjoyed reading it and so glad I found it finally. There have been a few posts missed but I will go back and read them.
I really think we need to take time to focus on pre-natal issues and education. The “true” story so that more moms will find us and know that if they are carrying a designer gene baby they are blessed. I also am a support of the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment foundation and thier +15 campaign. I have written a proposal for the local DS group I help start to do a local fundraiser to support that organization. I feel it’s contributions are just as importanat as the NDSS. So, any post on that would be a favorite of mine.
Also, you know I love my posts that I do title “the stupid things people say”…so the one you do about “language” are my favorite. 🙂
I have someone working on the layout for the new “The Designer Gene Club” site. I do hope you still want to write for it! More info to come.
Hope your Halloween was wonderful.
-erin
I really need to read my comments before posting! Grammer check anyone?
I’ll be happy to write for you, Erin. I do agree that women who are “new” to The Club need a place where they can learn the good stuff – so much of the available information is medical/clinical and just downright scary. I am aware of the Plus 15 campaign, but I have to admit that I’m sketchy on the details. I’ll add that to my list for a future blog post.