Thursday, September 17, 2009

Inspired

Alright boys & girls, we're gonna take a brief break from our 'history lesson' that seems to have been the theme here. I've been known to stray from the original subject, so bear with me on this one, as I am writing from the heart and off the cuff!

This post is also something I thought I would never do, as this blog pertains to motorcycle riding, and the things that surround it. (Don't worry, I'm weaving that in later!) I also want you to know that this is on a personal level, which I had planned to try and keep a little on the private side,but life has many twists and turns as you are about see!

I have 3 children, (if you didn't already know) 2 boys & 1 girl-24, 22, & soon-to-be 21!

In 1987 I was only 21 when I had my 2nd son, Mark. He was born with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). Which means he has an extra chromosone in the 21st set. (For those of you who don't know-we have 46 chromosones-23 from each parent-which equals into 23 pairs!)

He was also born with one lung, (the right one), which also came with a few other problems which required a few surgeries. Some of which were rarely done at the time, so we spent the first 6 years of his life in & out of U.C.S.F. Medical Center. His lung has grown enough to encompass the cavity for the loss of the left one, which is incredible!



(I had to take pics of old pics-sorry!)
I can sit here all day and go into detail, but that's not the point of this post!

Why am I telling you this, and what is the point? Because he has truly been a 'gift', 'a blessing in disguise', and has touched many lives. Anyone & everyone who has ever came into his/our life, is going away never forgetting what an impact he has made on them, (trust me!)




Another reason for this post, is I came across a blog called Days with Dylan which made my jaw drop! Her name is Laurie who's 2nd child was born with Down Syndrome! Now this brings me to this point; she is blogging about her life, his life, and how they are dealing with this. I wish I had the technology & the knowledge of today when I had Mark. I felt alone, scared, and into the unkown. (It's only been 22 yrs.) but technology and doctors have come a long way since.

So I feel compelled to want to 'help' her in some way, but some things are left to 'Life' itself, and I can only give her words of encouragement. In some unkown way, I have been inspired to write about Mark because of her, and my heart tells me to share this....why? I don't know, but I'm doing it! (The Man upstairs works in mysterious ways).

Mark is the highlight of our lives, he has a great sense of humor and keeps us on our toes! Sometimes we reflect on what would be if he didn't have Down Syndrome,but that's a subject that is short-lived!


He has graduated all classes needed and we are researching other recources available that provide more schooling and social outtings.

On that note-he has taken an interest in taking rides with Dad! Don't worry, he hangs on encredibly well! (My husband says he leans on him pretty good!)



I told you I would tie in the motorcycle! We've actually thought about a side-car now!
I know I have probably left you with un-answered questions, and why I choose to blog about motorcycles instead of other things. After life hands hands you a full deck, you learn how to deal...
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at smbikermomma@gmail.com I will be more than happy to answer!
Until the next time.....Happy Trails my friends!

10 comments:

  1. Mark is so handsome....you have done well my friend...with this blog and your beautiful son. I am priviledged to call you my friend.

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  2. We all have our daily life struggles, but yours is a bit higher up there than most. Thank you for sharing a little of your personal life.

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  3. Adorable baby pictures! Mark looks so much like your husband and YOU!

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  4. ooooooh :) a sidecar!!! thats a fabulous idea!!! i hope you try it, and i hope that it works out for your family outings. awesome. keep us posted. great post!!

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  5. Wonderful presentation of your intentions, of your son...and family...it does take a family to raise such a confident young man!

    Love the suit...black tie affair!

    Looking forward to what you care to write...it's all good.
    Thanks for sharing your family...

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  6. Great post, Shiela!! Thanks so much...for everything! Im so glad that you decided to share a bit about Mark. I love the pics of him on the motorcycle - SO cool!
    Thanks again for reaching out to me. I am forver grateful...
    xo

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  7. What a handsome young man!!!! God has given you a treasure to care for. Both you and your son have been blessed. Also glad to see he has some interest in riding..what a great way for your husband and son to spend time together.

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  8. Sheila, what a beautiful post! I'm glad that you decided to post other thoughts as well as your regular motorcycle posts ;)
    You and your husband are blessed to have Mark as well as he is blessed to have you as parents! :)
    Thank you for that little insight into your life!

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  9. What a warm heart felt story. God has blessed you all.

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  10. I've haven't been keeping up on my blog like I should and work has been tough lately but you post is awesome and thank you for sharing, like stated I think you have been blessed

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