Well, I am sending a quick post out tonight to let everyone know I have to face one of my biggest fears next week: SPEAKING in front of lots of people....I have been asked by my sons 2nd grade teacher to speak at two college classes she teaches next week. Cody's teacher Tracy is an amazing woman...she has her masters in special education and truly has a love for these children with special needs...she has taken a couple years off of special ed and has been teaching regular ed...but has now taken on some college courses to get teachers who are pursuing a special ed degree ready for a heartwarming experience. I have to speak 2 different nights for 40 minutes...She wants me to share our story from being prenatally diagnosed to NOW...all of the early intervention we have started with Brayden...all the therapies....support groups....etc. I feel so new to this still, so I hope I can provide the right information...and SPEAK well. I get very nervous in front of people. I do feel honored that she has chosen me to share our story though and can only hope I touch at least one person's life...I want everyone in the world to know that Down syndrome is not a scary thing...it is an amazing thing and I can't believe I was missing out on all the wonderful blessings of not having Down syndrome in my life sooner!
I will let you know how it goes...
I am also working with a committee for our local DS society with the New Parent Packet....this is given to new parents prenatally diagnosed and those that have just given birth to a child with Down syndrome...if there are any of you out there that have been doing this same thing...please share your ideas with me...Before submitting our final packet, we want to ensure we have included all we can.
1 year ago
12 comments:
Congratulations!! What awesome news...you get to be an advocate for all our little ones!! You are going to do awesome because it's something that you are passionate about. My advice...start praying about it...God will give you the words.
If you haven't already started a post on BBC, maybe the women there could give you some advice on things to talk about. I also would check out Amy's blog (there's a link on my blog, its called Matthew Vawter). Amy and her husband recently spoke at their church and there's an audio clip on her site. I think the dates around January 20th.
Again...you will do so well. The love you have for Brayden is going to make such an impact on those students. I can't wait to hear how it goes!
Here's the link to Amy's site:
http://babymatthew.wordpress.com/
Now I look at your blog and see you already follow Amy's blog...sigh...oh well, you already know how awesome it is!
Cathy, I think that's awesome that you are getting a chance to share your story! What a wonderfull opportunity to be an advocate! I know it's scary but just speak from your heart. I will pray that you know just what to say and how to say it. Do you think you will have it taped?
okay, I had a freak out moment- I realized I just called you Cathy and then I thought wait her name is not Cathy is it? It's Darlena- that's what I used to award her- oh no, her name is really Cathy! but I just realized I saw the last few comments and for some reason called you Cathy so sorry and I'm so glad I didn't award you using the wrong name! So I meant to say Darlena I think it's wonderful about your speaking!!
HI Darlena, How exciting! For you..not me :) I would so be nervous too!
How about Bringing a copy of "Gifts" and "Roadmap to Holland", pull some stories from your "blogging" friends and share their stories too. I know 40 minutes can seem forever. I remember preparing for different projects and presentations in college and it always helped to have a lot of "stuff" to pass around and talk about too!
OH...one more thing! Watch out for your "ummms" and "ok's" and make eye contact around the room! (hehehe just thought about my speech class in college)
:)
Good Luck!
Good luck!! I can't wait to hear how it goes. Remember to breathe...you are going to do GREAT!
How exciting! I get nervous as well... but I think that may be on thing I might be more confident talking about! You are going to do great, GOOD LUCK! Be sure to let us know how it goes!
I am sure this won't be the last. You have an amazing story to tell and a sweet little boy that makes it all worth it. Hopefully they can learn from your experience. Miss you guys.
That is so awesome I know you will touch someones life. Good luck I know you will do great. The kids are so adorable. Kaylee reminds me of pictures I have seen of you when you were little, So cute! Can't wait to see you all in March.
Okay, so unlike me (where I was freaking out about my church talk) it's something that you're passionate about and know back and forth, inside and out...and you can't fake that. Not to mention you probably won't need notes (unless you're like me and can go wayyyy off on a tangent and have to repeatedly say, "But that's not what I came here to talk about.") Good luck - you'll do fabulous.
What a great opportunity to share your precious son with others and give some real insight and hope to others - even if they aren't currently involved with a child with Ds - it will have a ripple effect. I bet you will do so well!
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