As some may know, I am the proud mother of a 16 year old named Diego. He has inspired me, been my motivator, and reason to keep pushing past some of lives unfortunate hurdles. 
 When I was 21, I found out I was pregnant! Boy was I elated and hopeful to start new with hope. Cause I had a purpose. But immediately I knew that his dad had issues I was not going to raise my child around. Packed up and moved "home" to Minnesota. 
  The moment I went into labor I knew something was wrong. We both were in distress and needed an emergency C-section. 
  Which would have been ok, except when they took me into the OR I had a flashback to being 5 and having my 1st rape kit. They performed both procedures in that room. Small world right? 
  I relived that day again and had my son as well. I looked at my mom and said "I remember my pelvic exam." They had a hard time using the spectrum cause I was so little.
  They handed me my tiny 5lb 2oz baby that was so handsome and perfect, and the nurse said, "We may have to do some chromosome testing", he looked so perfect but I could tell he was special. 
  The thought of trisomy 21 hadn't occurred until 2 days later, he was very sick and not pooping. Took him in and confirmed he has downs syndrome. And needs surgery ASAP. He has hirshsprungs disease and needed a bowel resection. At 11 days old he had 9 inches removed through a procedure called an anal bovine pull through. 
  He was a strong boy and was very hungry when he woke up. But to my horror they found a heart condition that needed surgery. Incomplete a/v canal. 
  3 months later marks surgery #2. Heart Surgery...