Monday, October 5, 2009

I've received so many beautiful emails but this one was really touching because it really show's us the impact that Logan's birth had on SO MANY people. It was written by my sisters best friend Amy Alecci. We've known Amy for years and years and I'm so grateful to her for writing such a beautiful and eloquent post about Logan.
Thanks Amy!! We love you :)




I was with Darby (Katie's sister) in Ocean City the moment she got the news from her mom that Logan did, in fact, have down syndrome. This is obviously news that no one wants to hear about their newest member of the family, especially since it was so sudden and unexpected. There were no signs detecting anything was wrong throughout Katie's pregnancy. So, yes, when Darby was told the news, the initial feelings of shock, anger, sadness and confusion came over us both. At the time, I believed that these were normal feelings considering it was after all, "bad news", right? I will never forget that day...because I quickly learned that this wasn't really bad news at all - it was a blessing, a true blessing. Logan is the most amazing thing that has happened to both the Hudsons and the Andersons in the 10 years I have known them.

The support system between these two families is seriously indescribable and the way that everyone came together to be there for each other, and for Logan, has been more than inspiring day in and day out. Their love, positivity and happiness has clearly been contagious as all of their friends and relatives continue to support any and all campaigns and breakthroughs in the down syndrome community. Logan is so lucky to be a part of such a tremendous family. He is surrounded by so much endless love and generosity and I can't wait for him to be old enough to appreciate it. But Logan isn't the only lucky one. His family and friends are just as lucky because they have been given this beautiful bundle of joy that has brought them closer and more united than ever. If you want to understand the meaning of the word family all you have to do is spend one day with the Hudsons & Andersons, it is so clearly defined when you have have been given the opportunity to be welcomed in with open arms. And as Darby's best friend now for over 10 years I can tell you from first-hand experience, it really is the warmest welcome anyone could ask for.

Backing up to the weekend we found out about Logan...After Katie and Sam discovered their life had drastically changed forever with a new baby, but not only that, a new baby with down syndrome, I remember almost word for word Darby telling me what Katie had said to her. She said "Darby, its going to be ok because we feel happy and lucky that God gave Logan to us and not some other family that doesn't want to love and support him properly. We are lucky that we have our parents and families so close to us that Logan will never ever feel neglected just because he has down syndrome. If anything, we will love him even more. This is a good thing, and we will all get through it together."

I'm sure when Katie said this, she had a few doubts and didn't exactly know what the future held for them and Logan. But in my opinion, she couldn't have said it better. Her words were so real and so true and its evident now as they continue to live their lives with such happiness and strength. I am inspired, extremely happy for them and grateful that I know such a amazing family.

xxxooo,
Amy