When you have a Downs child, going to the Doctor can become a regular thing. But Why all the Doctors? For most of us, our kids have complicated health challenges that never seem to go away; they just go from one thing to another. As soon as I realized that, I decided to make going to the doctor as normal as going to the grocery store. It became part of our routine instead of an interruption to our day. Each time Jade got sick, it was no longer the end of the world but part of our world. It’s important to make it part of your normal life because it makes it easier for them.

From the beginning, Jade had health issues. It was hard on me because I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking or feeling or where it hurt. I didn’t know what to expect, so I would always ask the nurses and the doctor about the procedures and possible problems and understand them before taking Jade into the examination room. That way, I could tell him simply what was going to happen. It might not feel good, or he wouldn’t like it, but it would help him get better. Knowing what was coming made all the difference in his world.

After his doctor appointments, we would always celebrate with something fun, like getting French fries from McDonald’s, ice cream from Dairy Queen, or a toy animal. He still goes to the doctor, and we still go out after his appointment and celebrate it. He is 23 and still likes French fries at McDonald’s, ice cream at Dairy Queen, or a small toy animal figurine (of which he has hundreds and still plays with them daily). He shares them with his nieces and nephews.