"That's too bad", I thought to myself

A few months back, someone shared with me that there was lady who's daughter was expecting a baby. As is routine with all pregnancies, there was an ultrasound. The ultrasound suggested that there was a possibility of Down syndrome.

This lady was devastated, thinking about her daughter's future, and her grand baby's future. She saw little hope. All she knew, were probably the very prevalent misconceptions about Down syndrome. She probably pictured individuals with Down syndrome that were raised in institutions, or those that were very low functioning, for lack of early intervention services.

My friend asked this lady if it would be okay if I called her. She agreed, and as soon as I had her number, I gave her a call. We did not talk for very long, but I offered for her daughter to give me a call. After all, we were also given a "possibility" of Down syndrome. Because there was no amniocentesis, and there would be none because of the risk of miscarriage. This family was holding on to the fact that the baby could be born, "normal."

Just yesterday, I saw my friend, and I asked if the lady's grand baby had been born. The baby is now two months old. I then asked if the baby was born with Down syndrome. No, this baby does not have Down syndrome.

That is too bad. I thought to myself. They do not know what they are missing. I can picture them relieved at the birth as they were told their baby was "perfect." It is too bad that they will never see unconditional love through almond shaped eyes, or that they will not get to celebrate milestones as miracles. They will not see shades of colors that they never knew were possible.

There are many blessing that they will have with their new baby, for every life is a gift from God. They were chosen by God, from all people, to be the parents and the family to this particular and precious baby. They will indeed have many glimpses of God.

I realize that many might think that they were "saved" from a life that might seem broken. Yet, there is nothing in Nichole that needs to be "fixed."

I remember when our friends came to see us at Mayo hospital, a year ago, when Nichole was there. Bill said to us that when he heard Nichole had Down syndrome, he was very excited, he wanted to say, "All right!" Back then I smiled, thinking it was pretty neat, like maybe he was referring to, "We are friends and we both have children with Down syndrome! " But now, I get it Bill! I get it!

"That is too bad," I thought. Because life with Nichole is surprisingly rich in all aspects. Life with Nichole is beautiful. Bill and Kristin knew that we were on for a great treat in life, and now we know it too!