47: Raising a special needs child with Down Syndrome activist and adventure mama Melody Forsyth

Children with special needs make a special impact on our lives as parents. Today's guest, Melody Forsyth, is a mother of four and a down syndrome activist. At 40 years of age she was faced with trisomy 21 diagnosis early into her pregnancy. Of course she went through the full gamut of emotions: fear, anger, denial, yet what she would soon realize is what a true gift Ruby would be to her family. Yes, there have been very real health and developmental challenges in Rubys life, but more profoundly her family has changed forever. Now they all hike together in Utah where they live and plan to visit all of the national parks together.   Topics covered:  How a family's life changes forever when they receive a diagnosis similar to her daughters Why limitations are only in our minds Why getting outdoors helps her daughter communicated and discover the world Why she believes self care is so important and how she finds time to do so.  Why "staring is not caring" when it comes to having a child with special needs and how she prefers people come up and say hello.  Have you downloaded the new free pdf on 5 Self Care Tips for the New Year!? It's free! Go to the website & pick it up! Go to https://www.soulmammas.com to receive the PDF, and read more on her story, show notes, take-aways and more! Come on over to the Facebook Group & hear happenings from our community and to meet like minded mamas like yourself!  Please support the podcast by following me on Instagram where you will also receive episode updates, photos & audio clips!