If you haven’t seen this great article from Sunday’s Pioneer Press, A different kind of perfect: Child with Down syndrome helped family re-evaluate life, please stop and read that first.
I loved how an eight-year-old boy helped his mother see the truth in the midst of her grief about the news that her unborn child had Down syndrome.
As he received the news, this boy simply said, “Oh, good.”
His mother is quoted as saying,
In that moment of absolute grief, that little piece of clarity and truth, it took my breath away.
Clarity and truth tend to do that!
So, this family faced the reality of their situation, which included advice about options like abortion. They heard from family members and friends who left unspoken the expectation that their other children would have their lives ruined by this little, vulnerable, unborn child with Down syndrome.
And today this family lives what appears to be a complicated, joyful life. The future is unclear, but they know it will probably get more difficult for them and for their youngest son.
But that clarity has remained about the life of their precious Gabe.
And it began with a little boy who knew something important about his unborn brother. There are people who do not see individuals with Down syndrome with that level of clarity, even though they are much older than this boy was, are more educated, and have earned impressive credentials.
And it is just like God to do it that way:
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” Matthew 11:25-26
I’m very grateful to God for this positive article about parenting and Down syndrome – these things do help! And I feel the call to be like that boy, to speak truth with clarity and conviction and certainty.
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