In 2006 I began after six years of being married, trying to have a baby. I was not successful and began to seek treatment via a fertility specialist... My first miscarriage came in 2007, and then another one in 2008... .. I kept trying, the heart of me cried out to be a mom, not because it is what you are supposed to do (the white picket fence dream), but because it was my heart. I had so much love and laughter to give. I became pregnant in latter part of 2008 and quickly settled into watching “TLC, A Baby Story,” eagerly planning the future of my son. Dreams of all the milestones filled my heart.
At 32 weeks I was rushed to hospital, and via C-Section gave birth to a baby boy weighing 3lbs and ten ounces (17 inches long) ….
Quickly I realized it was not the TLC dream ending I had planned on. I was wheeled into recovery and my husband came to meet me in the room with a Doctor in tow. She came to my bed, and put her elbows on corner of the bed, and said, “Congratulations Mrs. Casey you have a baby boy and he has Down Syndrome! “Any questions?” my eyes were wide as ever, and I just shook my head as if to say no; my mouth refused to allow any words to come out. He was born with holes in heart and partial deaf. He spent his first six weeks of his life in the NICU.
2:22pm on June 17, 2009, God gave me the most beautiful joyous gift. His name is Fisher named after Simon Peter in the bible so he could be a Fisher of men, and it also fits because my husband is an avid angler.
My journey changed forever; so about me; my name is Crystal Anne and I am a proud mom of a child with Down Syndrome. I have never fought harder, cried bigger and laughed deeper…
He had open heart surgery at ten months old. He still has a few holes left but is doing amazing. He was healed of his deafness after three years of wearing hearing aids, today he has complete hearing. He is very happy and full of life. He is very high functioning and has proven to break most of every stereotype associated with Down Syndrome children. I am so proud to introduce him to the world via my character inspired by him known as Huggy Dougie.
I have always possessed a passion for books and writing. I have written since I was a small girl. At the age of ten I would check out books at the library 50,000 pages long about the monarchy of Kings and Queens. I just love to read and write.
As I have walked along this DS path, creative inspiration has birthed the ideas to write about the adventures of Huggy Dougie. I pray these stories inspire you, and show you a glimpse of the highs and lows of our journey. I am so happy to have the opportunity to share Fisher’s love and passion for life. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share a piece of myself and my life with you.
Crystal Anne is a children's book author that is just beginning her adventure with Helping Hands Press, and her storybook persona, Huggy Dougie, based on her son’s journey through life with Down syndrome. Huggy Dougie’s adventures are the result of Crystal Anne’s adaptations of her son’s life as seen through both of their eyes. The author hopes that these adventures will provide entertainment and learning opportunities for both parents and children. Her hope is to inspire a passion for reading and creativity.
Being a parent of a special needs son is the greatest honor I have every experienced. Every day is full of surprises. Through my relationship with my son, I have learned so much about life and what it is that makes us who we are later in life. The wonder and innocence I find in my son's world is the inspiration for Dougie's adventures. Dougie is a loving boy, full of emotion and always seeking friendship. Thank you for taking the time to live in my world and help us introduce Dougie to your family!
To follow Crystal Anne, please visit the following social media outlets:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Crystal-Anne-1683301065260657
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Huggy_Dougie
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crystalanneauth
Blog:https://www.blogger.com/profile/05853611757835621448
I am looking forward to the book and the ones to come ! What a beautiful son you have !
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