I was promoted to Grand-Motherhood on the 10th March 2008. Although I did accept the promotion with joy and even trepidation, nothing could prepare me for the reality of this important position.

-      Cathal is my first grandchild.

-      Cathal has Down Syndrome.

-      Cathal was born with a very sick little heart. 

Grand-Parenthood should come with a big-lettered label: “WARNING: STRONG EMOTIONS INCLUDED”.  And when your grandchild is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, life takes on a whole new meaning: what we took for granted is redefined, what we thought we knew must be re-learnt from different angles. And what we had imaged the role of a grandparent to be - that of encouragement, support, but most of all unconditional love - is enhanced far beyond our imagination.

Welcome to my journey.  I hope that it may be of interest to other grandparents (or family members) whose special little person in their life has an extra chromosome 21. But most importantly, I hope that through comments and feedback, we can help each other on this road, and learn from each other.