Why Down syndrome?

The desire to adopt a child with Down syndrome comes from an inner, natural interest that we have for people with special needs. J has always had a special love for children, especially children with special needs. When J was ten years old, and in the fourth grade she decided to give up her recess time at school for something more. During her fourth, fifth, and sixth grade years she volunteered in the special education rooms at her school during every recess. She became close to the children, and loved them. They loved her as well.

 After sixth grade, her service to others with special needs did not end. In Junior high school, she was a teacher’s aide for the special education classroom. She would spend time each day with them. She loved teaching them life skills, and being a good example for them.

In High School, J headed up a summer day camp for people with Down syndrome. She contacted the Special Olympics. They provided her with individuals, and she provided them with a fun day camp. J went around to different church youth groups educating them about Down syndrome and inviting them to volunteer. The day camp was a huge success, and everybody involved was touched.

After J married, she continued her service to individuals with special needs. She worked a summer for the Easter Seals program. This program provides summer care and fieldtrips to people with many different disabilities.

Because of J’s love for people with special needs she took a couple of special education classes in college. The education she gained from these classes has been invaluable in assisting her in educating others about children with special needs and in advocating for E.

R also has a special place in his heart for those with disabilities…Down syndrome in particular. Growing up, his neighbor and friend had Down syndrome. R enjoyed growing up alongside of his friend. R always welcomed and loved him. He always went out of his way to include him, and to be his friend.

In 2008, our love for children with Down syndrome became more intensified. This occurred when R’s cousin had a child with Down syndrome. When we first learned about our new little cousin… our hearts were immediately filled with love for this special boy who had just joined our family. At the same time, our hearts yearned for this blessing in our own personal life. We cannot explain this feeling, except to say that it was a deep desire within in our hearts.

In June 2010 we were able to adopt E. She is a sweet and charming girl who has Down syndrome. Adopting her was truly a miracle in our lives, and we know that she is meant for our family. It has been so exciting to see her reach different developmental milestones. It has been so rewarding to learn more about her specific needs, and to advocate for her. It is also touching and heartwarming to see our children with her. They truly treat her as a special girl. They love her, protect her, and watch out for her. She has already opened their eyes to the importance of focusing on peoples ABILITIES, and not disabilities. B, our son that is eight years old wants to be “a movie maker” when he grows up. He goes onto say… “I will make the first Disney princess who has Down syndrome.” He along with the other children sees E as a wonderful sister. Most importantly, we love E because she is E.