My 32 year old son has Fragile X Syndrome. This means he has a broken X chromosome on the XY gene. This means he inherited the broken chromosome from me, and I inherited it from my mother. The syndrome causes mental retardation and autism, sprinkled with all kinds of other issues. Every child is different, but every mother carries the guilt and the sorrow for having passed on the defective gene to her son.
My ex-husband decided, when my son was 6 years old, that he (the ex) was dealt a lousy deck of cards and wanted out of the marriage. So I raised the children alone and the best I could, having made some mistakes, but having created a bond between mother and child that still stands strong today.
This weekend, Scott goes with his buds on a chartered bus to Penn State University to participate as an athlete in the basketball tournaments. When he first participated in the Special Olympics games, I was told I had to go with him as he was difficult to manage and the volunteers would not take responsibility for his wandering and temper tantrums. Scott surprised us, however, by behaving royally on that first trip. From that time on, I did not have to shadow my son on his trips to tournaments. He as been going since he was eight years old. That is 24 years of Special Olympic participation. Geez, that means it has been 24 years of practice sessions, games, outings, but most importantly, making life long friends with families of special needs children.
The Special Olympics oath: Let me win, and if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt. This is said at every game. It has much meaning to me and I tear up every time I hear it. I am sort of sorry that I can not attend the games with Scott. But he is too old and my presence would "embarrass" him, just ask him.
Because of Scott, I have grown to be a strong, independent, loving, caring and sensitive woman. He is my hero! This weekend he will go to Penn State University to do his best and be brave in the attempt to win.
So here's a shout out for Scott - "You go, guy! Bring home the gold!!" Love, Mom
11 comments:
God Bless him! And YOU!! And... as in all sports, may he have fun. Now I am a Yankee fan and the fact that I am quoting a Boston Red Sox player should tell you a lot right there if you know anything about baseball. However the story it, Manny had just made an incredible catch, but, before he did he took the time to high five a fan in the stands. After the high five he threw the ball to 2nd base the throw the runner out. When he was interviewed later about the play he said "hey, it's just a game!" God bless him for teaching such a lesson. You gotta have fun!
~Rosemary
Thank you so much for sharing this. It brought a tear to my eye. I'm so proud of Scott and you too. You've done a wonderful job. Go Scott! Paula
Thank you for sharing your story about Scott. It gave me an understanding of your comments in my journal this week. You know first hand how difficult it is raise children alone and had the added stress of an extraordinary child. God bless you and "YOU GO SCOTT". Have fun out there.
Hugs, Joyce
go Scott and team!!! do bring home the gold!!!
Thanks for sharing your story about Scott; I've heard just a little about fragile X syndrome; you seemed like you did a great job raising your kids on your own
I hope one day he lets you go to see him participate so you can share in his excitement and glory when he wins!
Special Olympics is such a great organization; I'm glad he is part of it
betty
I have never heard of this but of course there are a lot of things I haven't heard about. Sounds like Scott loves his sports. I hope they win the game this weekend. May God continue to be with you and your son and all the other special people and their loved ones. Helen
Karen ,I couldnt believe what I was reading ,you see my dear friend and neighbour Debbie (she made my siggy for yesterdays entry ! remember ? )has a son Jason,who also has Fragile X syndrome ,I am going to forward your entry to her ,....''.Go Scott go ''....love Jan xx
Hi, I was sent by Jan to your journal and what a shock I got. It is hard enough to find people who have heard of fragile x let alone any that have experienced it. You see my son Jason has fragile x so I know exactly what you mean about the struggles and the quilt. I really hope your son enjoys his tournament and gets his gold but I already know he is a winner by the way you write about him. Nice to meet you.
Debbie
xxx
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GO SCOTT! YOU CAN DO IT MAN! :) You are a wonderful mother my dear. So much love for your boy. :) Kelly
What a wonderful entry. I have been a Special Olympics supporter for many years, and it is so wonderful to see an entry from a mother of an Olympian. You are both winners, because you have each other. :o)
This was such a touching tribute to your son...you are both winners in my book; a loving mother who stood by her son and a son who loves you unconditionally. (Hugs) Indigo
I used to volunteer at the special olympics when i was younger every year. My mother taught a special needs class and I always went with them I become very attached to them. They even drew me a poster with thank you on it and put a picture of me and them on it as well. I loved volunteering there. That was one of my good memories in life. I dont have many of those so i treasure it. You are wonderful mother. I am so sorry that your husband bailed out. ....love, Christine
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