So, Erin, February 13th marks the 9 year journey without you in my life. I draw you close to me in so many ways when you come to mind. I see glimpses of you in students I have in Longwood LIFE. I have a different level of empathy when I talk with parents of children with disabilities. I can unpack behavior differently with student teachers as I walk alongside them. I take you with me and make all I learned from you count for something good.
But, today I remember the words of my doctor, Ray Marotta, who took my hand after you were born and told me you had Down syndrome. He told me to just be your mother. I took that advice to heart always and as an educator, I have always protected that role. I learned about what you needed, and I was an advocate for you. Later, I was your teacher for 2 years in middle school in a self-contained classroom. You called me Mrs. Feathers at school. I had other roles in your life. After months in the hospital , you were on peritoneal dialysis at home. You would wake up in the night and say, “”Mom, you be my nurse?” Then, you’d go back to sleep as I would cover you up and adjust the settings on your cycler and give you meds. I was so grateful for that time we could be together outside of the hospital.
I am grateful for your presence in my heart and all the joy you brought to our family-how you impacted us and changed us for the better-how you loved us unconditionally. I love talking to your brothers, your dad, and Diana about the ways we related to you-unique ways you connected with each of us differently.
Long story short, the Feathers family would have evolved much differently had we not known you and been changed by you.
You have left your mark on all of our lives.
Sorting it Out... 