Thursday, June 11, 2009

Mi Casa Es Su Casa (My Home Is Your Home)

Friends. I can't (and refuse to) imagine our lives without friends. Our friends are driving in from Illinois and arriving at our house this evening. They'll be staying with us through the weekend. Friends that we had never met before except via e-mails and facebook since 2007, the year Matthew was born.

They have a little girl, Gabbie, born 2 weeks after Matthew. She is their first and only child, just like Matthew is ours. Their experience at the hospital mirrored ours. They didn't know that their little girl had Down syndrome until after she was born. The initial feelings they had after receiving the diagnosis echoed ours. So did their resolve to be the best parents they can be in raising someone with special needs. It didn't take too many emails between us to see what wonderful, caring, loving parents they are.

Another common thread we share is a friend, Angela, who now lives in California. She is one of my close friends from high school in the Philippines. She is a good friend to Jodee & Jen and went to college with them in the Philippines. It was her brilliant idea to introduce us via e-mail. Jen and I have been trading e-mails ever since, connected by that wonderful extra 21st chromosome our kids have.

Today, we'll finally get to meet them in person. We're very excited. The guest room is ready for them to stay in until Sunday. The house looks generally presentable. Some of Matthew's toys litter the living room floor, a welcome sign for any toddler. We're ready!

Counting down the hours...

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Awesome! Monday I get to do the same - meet in person for the first time a friend I've "known" for years and who has shared my thoughts and frustrations and offered advice since we share a common thread through our children.

Have a great time - I'm sure you guys will have a blast together and the kids will love having someone to play with!

Take care,
Kara

Michelle said...

Have a wonderful time!!!! :)

Beverly said...

how wonderful an exciting. I love all the friends we have made since having Noah.

Monica said...

I'm so happy that you get to meet in person!! Have a great weekend!!!!!

Ria said...

Thanks! We will. :-)

Michelle said...

What a small world! I hope it was a wonderful weekend meeting friends IRL for the first time!