Why we want to adopt another child with Down syndrome

Our children have come to us in twos. We believe this was not an accident, but truly a blessing for them and for our family. We see the closeness they share and the bond they have. They are truly best friends, and are grateful for each other. When we see them together, we just can’t imagine their lives without each other.

We feel that a sister with Down syndrome would be a wonderful blessing to E, and to the other child with Down syndrome. We have talked with several people that have older children with Down syndrome. They have expressed to us that the later part of elementary school has brought challenges and differences for their children with Down syndrome. They have explained that it seems that during those years is when their friends realize and recognize that the child with Down syndrome is different than they are, and on a different social and cognitive level. Consequently, these families have found that this is when the play dates slow down, and they have less and less friends coming over. We hope this will not be the case with E as J has advocated at an early age for E to have many friends with Down syndrome. (see the section: extra support for a child with Ds) We know that E will always have friends, and siblings to love her, play with her, and help her. However, because of the closeness we see between our boys and C and D we feel that a sister with Down syndrome will bless E’s life, and the child’s life forever (not to mention our life). What a blessing to always have a sister to be with, and to share life with… now, and as they grow into adulthood. We picture adding an apartment onto our house and letting them live together there. What a blessing to always have a best friend.

This desire is something that we feel we must act upon. By following our previous desires, we have been blessed with five remarkable children…meant specifically for our family. We love all of our children, and count them as our greatest blessings and treasures. Each one of our children is different and unique. Our family is diverse on the outside and on the inside. We view this as a great strength! We feel the same is true by welcoming another child with Down syndrome into our family. We know that another child with Down syndrome will bring certain strengths, qualities, and talents that only they can contribute to our family. We are committed to advocating for each child through their hardships and challenges, and are committed to loving them forever.