31 Comments
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Karen Langston's avatar

Oh y goodness Salwa--It is nice to see the "other" persons perspective and a mum's on this. I had a temporary colostomy for 11 months. I completely understand. We can learn to love our unique bodies. And children are the best to teach us this!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Karen, that means so much—thank you for sharing a bit of your story. I imagine having a temporary colostomy came with its own set of challenges, and I love what you said about learning to love our unique bodies. Kids really do have a way of showing us what truly matters. Sending you so much appreciation! ❤️

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Karen Langston's avatar

ou are welcome. Its hard to relate unless you’ve experienced it. I do not have a belly button just a big scar — when someone stares I tell them I was divinely created —related to Adam and Eve 😂

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

“Divined created” oh i love that Karen!

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Karen Langston's avatar

Thank you— there was a riddle I can’t remember it — but the solved riddle was it was Adam and Eve because they did not have a belly button-they were divinely created. So, I use that lol.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Im stealing it 😃

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Karen Langston's avatar

By all means, it is yours for the taking 😁

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Suzanne Peters-Float's avatar

Poor little chap, what a thing to have to deal with at such a young age. Sending you both much love. ❤️

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Suzanne, thank you so much. It’s been a journey, but he’s handled it with more strength than I ever could have imagined. I really appreciate your kindness. ❤️

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Sam Messersmith's avatar

This is so sweet. What beautiful lessons. You and your son inspire me.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

That means so much Sam—thank you. He inspires me every single day. ❤️

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Sam Messersmith's avatar

That's just the sweetest 🥰

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

❤️

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Sheri Handel's avatar

Every story you tell about your son contains magic--his and your own. I'm sorry he's had medical issues to navigate at such a young age. Thank goodness he is finding his joy despite it (saying this recognizing the hard days, too). Sending love. 🩷

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Sheri, this means so much—thank you. The hard days are real, but so is his joy, and that makes all the difference. Sending love right back. 🩷

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Alicia Joyful's avatar

Thank you sharing this and love you!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Alicia, thank you for reading! Love you too! 💛

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Tinashe D. Ndhlovu's avatar

Your journey with your son is truly inspiring. It shows both his bravery and your strength as a mother. Together, you have faced challenges with courage, love, and incredible resilience.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

That means so much—thank you. He teaches me just as much as I teach him, and I’m so grateful for that. 💛

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Genevieve's avatar

Beautiful story, I too have seen that joy isn't cancelled by struggle, and you show so clearly here in how if we can be present with what's happening and how we relate to what's happening we can move through challenging times in a lighter way. Much love to you!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much. That means a lot. Joy and struggle really can exist side by side, and I’m learning that every day. Sending love right back to you! 💛

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Beautiful and empowering story as always Salwa. Hard-hitting lessons that are quite inspiring.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much! That really means a lot. Life has a way of teaching us through the toughest moments. Grateful you found it inspiring. 💛

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Bettina Lehovec's avatar

Salwa, this is beautiful! I so admire your journey as a mom and the lessons you share so generously. Simple and profound. Thank you.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

That means so much—thank you! Motherhood has been the greatest teacher, and I’m just grateful to share what I’ve learned along the way. 💛

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Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

For years, I have told people that my daughter with Down syndrome was my greatest teacher.

Your paragraph about struggles not canceling joy is such an important truth. Sheila had so many more struggles to overcome than even a typical child with Down syndrome. She met them all with such courage, strength, and especially joy.

Thank you for sharing a bit of your journey through life.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Nancy, that’s so beautiful. Sheila sounds like an incredible soul, and I love that you recognise her as your greatest teacher. Kids have a way of showing us what truly matters. Thank you for sharing a piece of your journey too. 💛

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Brenda's avatar

He is lucky to have you as his mother! I hope that writing helps you in your challenge, which has to be exhausting. You have an amazing writing ability- clear, flowing meaningful text. As a former writing instructor, I just had to say your writing is always top notch. As a mother of three, I can only sigh and admire— you just get on with it, right?

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Brenda, thank you so much—that truly means a lot to me. Writing has definitely been a lifeline through it all. And yes, as a mom, you just keep going. Some days are exhausting, but there’s so much love that carries us through. Appreciate your kind words more than I can say. 💛

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Rea de Miranda's avatar

Sending peace, love and light! Thank you for sharing your life.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much! Sending peace, love, and light right back to you. I truly appreciate your kindness. 💛✨

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