Grey's Anatomy actor shares the 'blessing' of raising a child with Down syndrome

Motherhood is a beautiful and enriching experience for women. Nobody can love a child as selflessly as a mother. Moreover, mothers who have children with special needs experience an authentic journey of learning and unlearning, but the love prevails throughout. However, it is not easy and the strength required is beyond one's understanding. Grey's Anatomy star Caterina Scorsone–who goes on Instagram by caterinascorsone–shared a glimpse of her experience with her daughter Pippi. The actress who played Amelia in the much-loved TV Show took to Instagram to share how her toddler Pippi with Down syndrome changed her life.

According to Kids Health, Down syndrome is a condition wherein a baby is born with an extra chromosome, which causes certain delays in their growth process. It may affect their physical and mental development. Scorsone posted on Instagram, given Down Syndrome Awareness Month is celebrated every October. Sharing pictures of Pippi she shared, "October is Down syndrome awareness month. I have less and less to say about loving someone with Down syndrome because the awe I feel at the privilege of knowing and loving my daughter steals my breath."

The actress further added that having a child with the said condition changed her life in many ways. She noted, "If I had not been lucky enough to gain up-close awareness of Down syndrome through being Pippa's mom, my life would be a faded sepia version of what it is now." She also remarked that life was hard given the extra care and attention to be given. However, she clearly stated that "the hard days aren't because of Down syndrome ever: they are only hard because our culture and society doesn't do equity well." Revealing more about her daughter's nature, Scorsone stressed the need to abandon the thought that children with the condition have "special" needs.

"Her needs are particular. Not special. They are just hers," she added. Her caption went on to state something very wholesome and beautiful. Expressing that our culture has not completely absorbed the idea of loving oneself and one's particular needs, the mom also shared how Pippa does just that. "Pippa is here. Pippa loves herself. She is busy living loud and bright. Her existence and witness is our opportunity to opt into love or opt out of it." The mom then compared Pippa's life and condition to the spectrum of love by saying, "We each get to decide how much of the spectrum of love we want to experience. She offered me a little extra and I am so deeply grateful to have been invited to know her." With her post, Scorsone turned the perspectives of many about Down syndrome.

She stressed the idea that people with the condition require not so much "extra care" but "extra love." She completely replaced the notion of special needs with that of love and care, which is quite a heartwarming approach. Her post consisted of several images of her with Pippa and thousands of people admired her and her daughter for their endearing journey together.

@huddybuddy said, "So beautifully said. It's a blessing to love someone with Down syndrome and it's a blessing to be loved by someone with Down syndrome. Every day I am more in awe of the gift I was given and how it has opened my eyes to so much that I never would have seen otherwise." @franci_dreamer said, "We need to start looking at disability as something beautiful and colorful."