“We still don't know why we are deserving of such a blessed gift from God, but we now know what PURE LOVE is this side of Heaven.”
--Bob Viscovich, father of a son with Down Syndrome
“Your child has Down Syndrome” are the dreaded words only another parent who has heard them can understand fully. Overwhelmed at first with confusion, shock, and fear, parents can feel very unprepared for the challenges that lie ahead. But every child is created in the image and likeness of God. And parents know more than anyone that their children with Down Syndrome imitate God’s love in an extraordinary way and bring a fullness to their families that they could not have imagined.
Still, the unknown road can be daunting, especially in a world that distorts authentic love. The Office of Human Life, Family and Bioethics can help parents facing this diagnosis find resources, organizations and support networks that can help them greet their newborn child with enthusiasm, hope and the confidence of knowing they are not alone. Like every family, those loving a child with Down Syndrome know the tears of parenting, but they also know the enormous joys of raising a special child in a family entrusted to God’s grace.
On March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, we bring awareness to the most common chromosomal disorder affecting one in 700 births in the U.S. But let us also celebrate every child conceived with, every child growing up with, every adult thriving with, and all those lost to Down Syndrome and in particular their families who know the special love God bestows on those living with Down Syndrome.
“Families who know that a special needs child also bears the image of God will accept and love that child and in doing so will find a joy that conquers hardship.”
-- Denise Crean, mother of Sam who has Down Syndrome
Visit our website new resource page at
https://drvclife.org/adverse-prenatal-diagnosis for more information.
Comentários