Road Marker 321 by Ellen Stumbo

Prologue

I stood in the middle of a vast clearing. The breeze gentle as it stroked my face, and the air carried the sweet aroma of wild flowers. The sun delivered beautiful golden rays that pierced their way through cotton clouds and gently touched the horizon. There I was, eagerly waiting for the glorious moment when I would get to take my first step into the beautiful road that lay in front of me. The road that was full of everlasting rewards. A road that held so many of my dreams, my hopes, and my ambitions. One that promised so much joy, beauty, and love; it was inviting me to come, to enjoy, and to discover. The road of parenting.


The gate at the head of the road looked like it came from the land of fairies. Its arch covered with lavishing vines that entwined forming intricate patterns. Dozens of flowers decorated the gateway as it welcomed its travelers. Down the road, strong oak trees provided shade for parents to get their much-needed rest and gather their strength. There were rocking chairs scattered throughout the road occupied by women whose lips whispered lullabies to their sleepy little ones. Fathers beamed with pride as they carried their children and lifted them up over their shoulders for all to admire. As far as I could see, flowers of all sizes, shapes, and colors paved the way. Their delicate scent had made its way to the gate opening. The songs of birds were a perfect symphony that invited all to sing. I could hear cheers and applauses as children reached milestones and continued to walk farther down the road, into toddlerhood, childhood, and adolescence.

I watched as other parents took their first steps. Some were clumsy, some were nervous, and some were anxious. Some parents were experienced, having walked this road before. Some giggled, some cried. The excitement and wonder of welcoming a new life was contagious. The babies that they held close and tight, had captured their hearts, and changed their lives forever.

I was next in line. My turn was finally here. I stood at the gate with full confidence, ready to take that first step. My eyes fixed on the road ahead. The anticipation hard to contain. My determination and desire were almost tangible...

A gentle tap on my shoulder.

I turned around and next to me, stood God.

"Child" He said softly, "This is not the road you will travel."

I was startled, confused. He gently took me by the hand and led me to the opening of a different road. I had noticed the other roads at the clearing, but I had not paid attention to any of them. These other roads were not often traveled; they seemed lonely and rough.

"This one is for you." God said.

My heart sunk. This was not what I was expecting; it was not part of the plan, my plan. For there, before me, stretched a dark and gloomy road. The path was covered with thick and deep mud. There were decaying trees along the side whose branches hung low and heavily over the trail. The gray air was murky and suffocating. Slimy vines hung like a heavy curtain ready to trap all those who dared travel by. I could only imagine what other horrible sights awaited in the distance for I could only see so far.

"Lord," I dared say, full of fear and anguish, "I believe this is a mistake."

He smiled, looked me tenderly in the eye and whispered, "Sweet child, I don’t make mistakes."

With tears, I took the first step into the road labeled, "Down syndrome." Soon my tears were flowing like a river. The mud of the "characteristic physical features" was so thick. It was hard to walk, hard to lift my feet. There were places where I thought I would get stuck, or that the mud would drag me down and swallow me altogether. All the low hanging branches were different medical and physical problems. I was not able to avoid the cardiac and GI branches; I had to work my way around them. The air of intellectual disability made it almost impossible to breath, its derogatory term “retarded” was noxious. And the vines, they were everywhere! They were all the comments, the doctors, the looks, the whispers, the endless questioning, and my own thoughts.

I glanced back. I wanted to look at those traveling the beautiful road I had longed to travel. The one I had chosen. I saw the smiling faces and the many people walking through the gate. Oh, the beautiful sight! But that was not where my feet were standing. Here I was, trapped in an ugly prison. I wanted to get out. I was not supposed to be here!

I realized I was screaming. My sobs came from deep within my soul, and the anguish echoed around me. Yet, no one heard me. I felt totally and utterly...alone. I was lost.

After a while, the tears had been drained from my body. Without the constant veil, I was able to see more clearly, and a glimpse of light peered straight ahead. My heart started beating fast as I allowed myself to hope. I dragged my feet through the mud, I climbed over the branches, I held my breath, and I pushed the heavy vines out of my way.

A burst of light blinded me. I rubbed my eyes and slowly opened them. And here, in this path, there too was a gate. There was nothing spectacular about the gate; it wasn't fancy, and it was certainly not impressive. It was a simple wooden entrance, with a wide open door. Yet, it was so inviting, so peaceful, so comforting. My heart was immediately drawn to it. Without hesitation, I walked through.

The beauty stunned me. The air was deliciously refreshing. The trees seemed to touch the sky. The sound of birds reached my ears. It was no common bird song; it was music of the soul. The melody was so beautiful that it welled up inside me and I thought I might burst with joy! The flowers were unlike anything an ordinary person could ever imagine. If anyone would make a bouquet with these, there would be no worthy recipient to be found, except for God Himself. And the colors, oh the colors! These shades could only be found in Heaven...and on this road. I paused. What I saw before me was magnificent. I felt humbled. This road was paved with glimpses of God. My heart was overflowing.

I knew I would be taking this road at a slower pace, there was hardly a defined path. We would be facing the wild as we made our way through. Every step would be a new discovery that would reach all my senses. Things would take longer here, but that would make them more meaningful. I knew, that as I witnessed miracles, I would not dismiss them as natural and expected milestones. I smiled.

I realized then, that God was standing by me. He had been with me all along. Somehow, in my tears and anguish, I had lost sight of Him. I fell to my knees. He kneeled down beside me and grabbed my face. He gently cupped it in His hands. He looked at me tenderly, "Certainly, this road will not always be easy, and you might not see me, but I will be with you in every step. And your heart? It will forever be changed; for this child will touch you in ways you didn’t know were possible. Your understanding and experience of life and of My love will never be the same. I gave you this child, because you needed her, and she needed you."

He took me by the hand and helped me to my feet. With a grin on His face that made His eyes sparkle He added, "I love you, and I give good gifts to those I love. This child that I have given to you is mine, my beloved one, and a vessel of my love."

I stared into the open, unknown space before me, allowing myself to feel the warmth of my baby girl as I held her close. She would lead the way. I wanted to begin the journey. I lifted my foot and started walking. Walking into the wildness and beauty of the road.

Photo Credit



Next:
My Body Is Cooking a Baby: Part 1

My Body Is Cooking a Baby: Part 2

My Body Is Cooking a Baby: Part 3

The Dream

Level 2 Ultrasound
Your Baby Might Have Down Syndrome
Surprised by Joy: Part 1
Surprised by Joy: Part 2
Surprised by Joy: Part 3
Surprised by Fear
We Belong Together
A New Family
She Has Down Syndrome 
Nursing 
She Has a Broken Heart 
Fooled Them All 
My Mother's Arms 
Tears Flow 
She Is My Own 
I Chose Love: Part 1
I Chose Love: Part 2
Flashes of Color 
So Much Love