Dancing in the Rain
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A Trisomy 18 Journey

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain. -- Vivian Greene

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Sydney's T18 Presentation



Sydney showing her T18 Awareness bracelet

Sydney wanted to do something special for Trisomy 18 Awareness Day. We talked with her teacher about having a presentation for her second grade class.  Sydney was very excited about it. Marc was also planning to be with Sydney at school that day anyway as a "Watch Dogs" Dad  (DOGS = Dads of Great Students). The three of us put together a power point presentation with facts about Trisomy 18, pictures of Julia, and memories of Julia. Sydney added props such as Julia's feeding syringes from when she was a newborn, her later bottles, a preemie outfit, and some of her favorite toys.

Sydney did an amazing job with her presentation.  Marc would introduce a slide, but Sydney would quickly jump in and explain the slide and add stories and information. She was a proud big sister talking about Julia, and I am one proud mom of both of my girls. Sydney's classmates were also very attentive and interactive. I was really impressed with all of these second graders. As Sydney and Marc talked about health issues associated with T18, one student shared that he had 2 cousins born with holes in their heart. Another student shared how her 3 year old cousin cannot walk yet and has to have a special stroller. Another shared that he has a g-tube to help him with eating. At the end, Sydney passed out the Trisomy 18 Awareness bracelets we had ordered for awareness day.  I am so appreciative of the support that Sydney receives from her teacher and classmates.


A huge thanks to you, Sydney, for having the courage and the love to share your sister's story with your class.  Julia could not have a more amazing big sister. We love you every day, Julia!

To see Sydney's powerpoint slides, click here.



12 comments:

Ruthie said...

Awesome!!! So proud of Syd! Thanks for sharing. Slides are great! What a blessing she is. Love you guys.---Ruth and Dave

Hannah said...

Brings tears to my eyes. What a blessing for Sydney's classmates!

Anonymous said...

Children are a blessing from God. Thanks for sharing your blessings with us. Love you all, Ansley

Jodie said...

Sydney has always been such a sweet little girl, but that has become all the more evident since she became Julia's big sister. Her love for Julia and her desire to share that with others is precious!

JSH said...

Sydney, we are so proud of you! What special information you shared with your classmates. They now know so much more about T18. You are an amazing big sister and teacher. Love, Jenny, Scott and Lyndle

Anonymous said...

Sydney told me about her presentation the other night. She said that she thought she did a good job. :) She also showed me the beautiful flowers that her aunt sent her as a good luck for her presentation. So glad that you all have each other.

Maureen

Loren McDade said...

Precious! Thanks for sharing!

Jan said...

what a blessing! Thanks for sharing this!

dayna said...

Love this; brings tears of joy and sadness to my eyes.

helenasc said...

Way to go Big Sister!! So proud of you! God is going to use you in special ways to teach people compassion, I think.

Linette said...

Wow, Sydney! Not only did you get to share your beloved baby sister with your friends, but it sounds like you also helped people feel comfortable with being different and loving people who are different. That's the kind of world I want to live in!

Anonymous said...

The greatest blessing that our trisomy children bring to us is the effect they have on their siblings, both during their time with us and after they have left us. Good for Sydney!! What a very special girl she is.

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