Dear Mom,

Do you remember when Dad tried to talk to you about what we would do if I had Down syndrome shortly after you found out you were pregnant? Remember how you tried to push any thoughts of a diagnosis out of your head because it was too scary to even consider?

Do you remember when you got the call from the genetics counselor? You were sitting on the couch with Dad and it was two days before Christmas. All you could say was, "no" over and over again while you sobbed and your heart broke. Remember how that moment felt like a movie of someone else's life, because it couldn't possibly happen to you? The grief and sorrow you felt crushed you and all you could do was hold on to each other and cry.

Do you remember how it felt like another baby had been put inside your body? A baby you didn't know, had never dreamed about or pictured in your mind. Remember how guilty that made you feel?

Oh, but momma...remember when you found out I was a GIRL and you started to picture me and dream about the things I would accomplish? Remember when you started feeling that sense of purpose in advocacy that you had never felt before? To be passionate about something and feel like you had finally found your true calling. Remember when it wasn't scary anymore? When you just knew that I was going to change people's perceptions of Down syndrome. Including your own.

Remember the day I was born? That was the most magical day of your life because I changed everything. The diagnosis, the fear, the worry and all of the negative phases of your pregnancy were forgotten because I was here and I was PERFECT. Since that day, you have never laughed this much or felt so complete. You have cried from overwhelming happiness, cheered for my mastery of new skills and wondered how you ever lived a life without me in it.

And now when you think about Diagnosis day, you know you would relive the pain of that day a thousand times just so you could hold me in your arms. Because I am beautiful..I am funny..I am smart.. & I AM WORTHY.

Love,

Hudson Marie

This letter was submitted by Corissa Welch.
To learn more about Hudson and the Welch family, follow @wild_wild_welch.