Extra Chromosome: Deep Connections/ Pray for Abby

Imagine with me that you are walking in the mall, when all of a sudden you see a teenage girl shopping with her mom. You run to them with a huge smile and say, "Hi! I had to come meet you." Then you turn to the mom and proudly show off your child and say, "I have a child too!" You are probably smiling, thinking, that would never happen.

Now imagine with me this same scenario, except the teenage girl has Down syndrome. In my world, I would run to her and proudly show off Nichole. The other mom will most likely smile, introduce her child to me, and ask to hold my baby. we will exchange stories about those first months. We might exchange e-mail addresses and phone numbers. We might even get together after a few days and talk over a cup of coffee. All of a sudden, we have found in each other a friend.

Nichole has introduced us to this wonderful world, where instant and deep connections are formed. A world where strangers, easily become friends. A world where regardless of where you come from, you know, you simply know, that the truths of love and life shine through those almond shaped eyes, and we have been affected and changed by our children.

What we share, cannot be simply described. It can, however, be easily felt.

This is how I met my friend Stephanie. We are both members of a Down syndrome forum. We had been e-mailing each other and found out we had a friend in common, Marisa. Stephanie is originally from Iowa. Thirty minutes away from me. Last march, Marisa, Stephanie, and I got together. It was wonderful to meet her and Abby, her daughter. Abby is only five months older than Nichole.

Stephanie and I talked and cried together. we shared stories, and we shared our hearts. We had just met face to face that day, but we were instantly friends.

Today Abby is in the hospital. she has been there for two weeks. It started as pneumonia, then RSV, and now Abby is in critical condition. Taking steps forward, but sometimes hanging in there by a thread. I will go see them for a few days.

Please pray for Stephanie and Abby. pray that the Lord will show His love to their family. That He will give them peace. That He will give me the words to say, and the love to give.

Andy and the girls are staying. Please pray that they don't miss me much. Grandma Darla and Grandpa Ken will watch them today. The Glandon family will watch them the next couple of days while Andy works.

Please ask God for a miracle. Pray that His power will be evident in little Abby's body.

Thank you.

Pictures from last March of Nichole and Abby.