From Dash's mom

[dischef]

Hi everyone! I'm Megan, the mom who's e-mail Julie read on this week's show. I'm not much of a poster (as you can see!) but I wanted to say hello.

Julie, thank you so much for taking the time to read my e-mail on the podcast this week. It meant the world to me.

I know I speak for a lot of people here on the boards when I say that the podcast team has touched all of our lives in a way that makes us feel like we're all one big (mostly) happy family. Thank you again for inviting all of us to be a part of your lives.

Ok, now I'll try to be less of a lurker and more of a poster!

 

[jcb]

Your email was both inspiring and touching. Thank you for sharing your story with us all.

 

[15isto2]

I was really inspired by your e-mail, thank you for taking the time to send it

 

[Joshua_me]

Your email brought tears to my eyes, Megan.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and strengths with the Podcast team and with all of us listeners out there.

You sound like an amazing person - one for whom Dash is very lucky to have for his Mom.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

What an eloquently written letter! I think it was very kind of you. to the boards and I hope to see more of you here soon!!

 

[SueM in MN]

That was a sweet email - Justin Jett shared it on the disABILITIES Board.

When Dash is ready for his first WDW trip, head on over the disABILITIES Board and we will help you with any questions you can think to ask.

 

[dischef]

Thank you all for your posts! I really appreciate it!

I also menat to say another thank you to Julie for raising awareness of CHARGE sydrome by sharing the explanation on the podcast. I do want to clarify that while Dash has CHARGE syndrome (verified via genetic testing) he does have one of the most mild cases ever described. There are many children with CHARGE syndrome who are deaf, blind, and have multiple organ abnomalities as well as physical disabilities. Dashie is lucky, he only has some visual impairment as well as some physical delays. He is perfectly healthy in every other way. I attribute his successes to the amazing team of phsical, occupational, speech, feeding and developmental therapists whom we work with on a weekly basis. These are remarkable women who have really made a huge difference in our lives.

Thank you all for your kind response to my story. Whenever I find myself feeling a little down in dumps, I'll think of all of you and your kindness.

Megan

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

What a great letter. I am so glad to read Dash is doing so well!

 

[hapandpam]

Megan- Thank you for sharing your story with us. Dash is lucky to have you as a mom.

 

[dallastxcpa]

Megan, thank you for sharing your story. You are an amazing person who Dash was blessed with. I sat at my desk listening to Julie read your letter and began to cry. (this is why I can no longer read the wish trip reports I am far too emotional)

To the Podcast team thank you so much for sharing all of your personal stories with us. It is a great reminder that we are all simply human. We face all types of problems and challenges in our lives and we sometimes loose loved ones along the way. For so many of us the weekly podcast is an uplifting time to get us through those long stretches until we can get back to our laughing place.

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome!!!

 

[AuroraJae]

Hi Megan!

I acually thought I could get through the email without crying...boy was I wrong! Thank you for choosing to share your amazing/challenging journey into motherhood with all of us. Dash is truly lucky to have you and your husband advocating for him!

It is wonderful to hear that Dash is doing so well! The therapists that work with our children are angels on earth. Ferris loves his ST and PT! I am not looking forward to leaving them behind once he starts school in January...I can only hope that the therapists he will work with through the public school system will be just as fabulous!

Your letter touched us and made us realize that Disney is not the only reason we are members of the Podcast Team.

 

[dansyr2514]

Julie and Meagan ...thanks so much for your stories.

Both of you are very strong women with huge hearts and that is why you were chosen to have the little angels you have. I do have to say, as someone who had an uneducated view of down's syndrome and special needs children...thank you! Julie through your stories and pictures on facebook you have really opened my eyes to the fact that Ferris is just a child ( a cute adorable little boy) and you are blessed to have him. Previouly, I would have though...poor Julie or poor Megan...having a child with disabilities. Getting to know Ferris a little bit through you , it doesn't even enter my mind anymore. Now I just see Ferris, cute and adorable, a music lover who has a smile that can light up a room.

And Julie...I was crying right along with you while listening to the podcast. Not so much tears of sadness but emotional tears for how lucky these children are to have you and Megan as such wonderful parents.

 

[kahblue]

Thank you, Megan, for sharing your story! And Thanks to Julie for reading it. I can honestly say I know what you two feel.

My son, Justin, is 14 and has Down syndrome and autism. When he was born he was lathargic and we were told he had a heart condition (50% of DS people have one).A short time later we were told he also had DS. We cried, took the best advice we were given "you have a beautiful baby; go home and enjoy him!" and life went on. he had surgery at 81/2 months. At 2 1/2 he was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

We always tell people that if there was a magic pill that Justin could take to change all this, we wouldn't. He wouldn't be who he is today: a loving, low-key easy going happy boy that is the light of our lives (his brother is loved just as much, of course!).

And when you are ready for Disney, don't think twice about it. We are going this August for our 4th year in a row because it's the one place where Justin really does get a lot of attention, all his needs are met (including pureed dinners!) and I actually feel like I'm a vacation.

And a big hug to Julie and Corey! Even though we are states away, it's nice to see you so involved in your local Buddy Walk just like we are in the fall. I'm very involved in our local Down syndrome network (just co-chaired our annual auction and gala last night!). I pray Ferris grows up to be a wonderful young man and that he will have a special relationship with Finley just like Justin has with his 10 year old brother, Brandon.

And, Megan: yes, our kids were absolutely planned to be in our families for a reason! Dash is very lucky!

 

[LJSRDH]

Dear Dash's Mom and Julie....

What a lovely way to end the email podcast...and as the rest, I'm so impressed with both of you. Julie...I'm equally impressed that you actually got through the email AT ALL!!! I was in Whole Foods here in NYC (UWS) doing some grocery shopping and bawling in front of the cereal.

I find your strength inspiring and amazing. Kids are so resilient and are all gifts from God. Thank you for sharing your stories.

Laura

 

[hockeymomNS]

Thank you for sharing your story and I echo the other posters - Dash is very lucky to have you for his mom.

 

[Schrute Farms]

Megan,

I am a father to two wonderful boys. I was driving with my one year old sleeping in his car seat behind me while listening to Julie read your email. I had to pull over and finish my cry before finishing the drive home.

I am so glad Dash chose you to be his mom. Give him a hug for me tonight.

 

[myweegirls]

Megan,

Your email was such a wonderful and poignant statement. I have two young daughters, neither of whom have special needs. I am so often reminded, though, of how quickly situations like ours can change, and I've always wondered how I would handle the challenges of a serious illness or accident. But you hit it on the head - we're their moms for a reason. Our love for our kids is ferocious and undeniable, and I just know, somewhere deep inside me, that my girls would have no better advocate, no greater love, and no bigger source of strength and support, than their dad and me. Thanks for reminding us *all* that we really are that strong.

XOXO
Liz

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

All I could think while hearing the email being read was YOU BOTH ARE MY HERO! I'm in awe of the strength and great outlook both of you have.

I remember when I was pregnant with my DD (my one and only ) and the doctor was advising me on all of the different tests that should be done because I was over 30 and even though at 32 I didn't feel the least bit old, he said it did increase the risk for certain birth defects. I told him I was not going to put my self through that stress because it would not change anything and if God so chose me to have a child with Downs or something else, then he knew I would be able to handle it and the child would be loved regardless. I love the thought of the child choosing me as their Mom.

 

[NitroStitch]

Julie and Meagan ...thanks so much for your stories.

Both of you are very strong women with huge hearts and that is why you were chosen to have the little angels you have. I do have to say, as someone who had an uneducated view of down's syndrome and special needs children...thank you! Julie through your stories and pictures on facebook you have really opened my eyes to the fact that Ferris is just a child ( a cute adorable little boy) and you are blessed to have him. Previouly, I would have though...poor Julie or poor Megan...having a child with disabilities. Getting to know Ferris a little bit through you , it doesn't even enter my mind anymore. Now I just see Ferris, cute and adorable, a music lover who has a smile that can light up a room.

And Julie...I was crying right along with you while listening to the podcast. Not so much tears of sadness but emotional tears for how lucky these children are to have you and Megan as such wonderful parents.

Welcome Megan! This post says everything so eloquently...I can't improve on it. You're lucky parents with very lucky and precious children, and I thank you both for sharing your stories and your blessings with us.