To Madison,

This letter is not easy to write.  This is due to the way I felt when I found out you would be born with Down Syndrome.  I did not know how I was going to love you.I was feeling angry and I felt bad for your mom and dad.  I thought this was something that only happens to other families .  I can't say that I felt love the first time I saw you.  There was a big adjustment period for me as I did not know what to do or say to you.  There were kids with Down syndrome in our town but I had always kind of avoided them as I did not know how to relate to them.  I did not know how to deal with my attitude or emotions and I felt God had cheated us a little. 

 

It took me a long time to accept you for who you were and not who you could have been.  But the more I saw you the more I loved you and my attitude changed.  I am sorry for the way I felt because it wasn't you it was me.  I love you more than you will ever know.  I realized that I needed to change not you.  You are a precious girl and I know in my heart that you do many things I never thought were possible.  I did not know much about Down Syndrome but the more I learned the more I understood you better.  I love the way your brother Zach loves you and is so protective of you.  I am so proud of what you have accomplished so far and I know that you will do more than I ever expected.  I want you to know that you are awesome and you always will be.  I love you so much.

Love Grandpa