Down Syndrome is Beautiful...

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month.
I thought I would share some pictures of my daughter to celebrate her precious life. She is truly beautiful.

Psalm 139: 13-14  For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.   I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

 Our baby was born in the local hospital here but was rushed to Winnipeg by ambulance when it was determined that she was seriously ill. So I spent sometime in the hospital in Winnipeg as well. I remember one particular doctor in Winnipeg speaking to me about my daughter's condition and the way he spoke puzzled me. He kept implying that we would be giving her up to adoption. There was no way that I was going to give her up for adoption. So I had to tell him very plainly "We are keeping her". That changed the conversation. I could not imagine a doctor suggesting to me that I should give up my child. There had never been a question in our minds whether we would keep her. My husband and I knew that God had planned this special baby for us, that he wanted us to love her and raise her and that really she is God's little girl. She is a gift to us for this short time on earth.

Psalm 139:15-16  My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

Psalm 139:17-18 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

Jesus loves me this I know

For the Bible Tells me so!

 

Information about Down Syndrome

(Information from the National Down Syndrome Society)

*People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

*All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

* Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome

*Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels

*People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

* A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.