Today I'm thankful she teaches me to always be kind to others, even if I'm in a right-snarly-mood & want to teach someone a lesson. Yesterday, we had one of Pip's what-feels-like-bazillionth specialist's appointments & as much as I wanted to school this little old lady, I let my daughter do it instead. 



In a waiting room, no matter what, Pip always draws attention. Mostly, people smile or engage in small talk which lights her up. But every once in awhile, I get "that look" when they realize Pip has Down syndrome.



It's a look that I instantly pick up on now & if I let it, it has the power to make me want to cry-yell-shake-and-scream. It's a look of sheer pity with a sympathy smile added on top. It's a look that truly makes me cringe & want to get on a soap box to preach my daughter's worth. 



But this time, instead of saying anything, I did nothing. 



I let the little old lady watch as Pip and I giggled up a storm. I let the little old lady watch as Pip said hi to any & everyone who entered the room. I let the little old lady watch as Pip helped a baby when he fell & held the hand of a nurse she adores. I let the little old lady watch as Pip asked for music & then danced in her chair, making everyone instantly smile. And I let the little old lady watch as my daughter signed & said, "Love you Mom" over & over. 


And then when they called our name to be finally seen, I took off the imaginary sign, I felt like I was wearing around my neck that read, "DO NOT PITY MY LIFE" & turned to the little old lady with the biggest-smile-showing-my-upper-gum, proudly grabbed my daughter's hand & walked away...