Buddy Walk 2012

Yesterday we woke early and made the drive to Wichita for our first buddy walk. This week has been one of the busiest for us this year, so even driving up I was frazzled and worrying about things instead of enjoying the day. As I watched the clock in the car, thinking that we were going to be late and miss it, I realized I needed to snap out of it. I had been so excited about the buddy walk, and even if everything went wrong, I was going to enjoy it. I was going to have joy no matter what.


 So, I closed my eyes and let my expectations go. You know what happened after I did? Pure Joy.

Mikey and I felt a very real and strong sense of pride walking with Elina. We needed this. It was a moment to own the diagnosis, to stand and join others who celebrate down syndrome.

There were so many of us! (around 4,000 registered walkers!)

We loved being surrounded by others who know what Elina is going through. We soaked it all in, and we felt healed in a lot of ways. 

The highlight for me came at the finish line. I am a first timer, so I was surprised and excited to find out that Elina would receive a medal!

Thanks to the Wichita Wings for taking part in this special day!

We know that having a child with down syndrome is not always glamorous. We know there will likely be times when Elina is excluded or put down for being different. Yesterday though, there was only celebration and pride and inclusion. It was a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Uncle and Auntie walked with us!

We want to thank you so much for all of your support. You have helped us make it through this unexpected journey. We are all learning from Elina, and I thank God he sent us this gift.

We raised $275 dollars for team Elina on Fire! That's 137% of our original goal. Thanks to everyone who gave to the National Down Syndrome Society! The donations make days like these possible.