07/06/04: The challenge ahead

This evening Mommy and Daddy got the call.  Shortly after I was born, the hospital staff had notified them that I was showing some characteristics of Down Syndrome.  But, they wouldn’t be able to confirm or deny it without a chromosomal study.  The study involved taking a sample of my blood and incubating it for 48 hours.  Then, they could look at it up close and analyze my chromosomes. 

After doing so, they were able to determine that I have what the medical field calls Trisomy-21; what the rest of us know as Down Syndrome.  In short, everyone gets 23 chromosomes from each of their parents - for a total of 46.  Somehow, I ended up with 47 - geneticists aren’t really sure how or why it happens.  Only that nothing the parents do can increase or reduce the risks. 

Seems Down Syndrome is one of the most common birth defects in the world.  It’s what’s known as a Developmental Disability.  Essentially, I possess the same abilities other kids have for physical and mental development.  Mine will just come slower and may not achieve quite as high a level.  Down Syndrome is also an equal opportunity birth defect.  It occurs equally in all races, genders, etc.  If you’ll notice though, I didn’t say I was “afflicted with” or “suffer from” Down Syndrome.  That’s because it doesn’t hurt.  And it’s not going to kill me.  It just means that I’ll have to work a little harder than other boys and girls when I start physically and mentally developing. 

In the meantime, I’m pretty doggone cute and really good at what I do: eating, sleeping, and soiling diapers.  Fortunately for me, Mommy and Daddy have complete faith in God and two really great families that will love and support me as I grow.  And their friends have all expressed a willingness to provide whatever help it takes to reduce Mommy and Daddy’s stress as they commence their journey as parents. 

I’ll be honest with you…I’ve always thought my parents were pretty swell.  But I never truly realized how special and loved they were until I came along.  And they want me to express their sincere gratitude to each and every one of you who’ve pledged your support.  It is completely humbling to receive the outpouring of love and support that they have over the last few days.  It’s also quite obvious why God would choose to put a baby like me into a situation like this.  He’s created this environment of love and support for me so that I can grow and thrive and be the best I can be.