So I guess in a way we are the Down Syndrome Family. Josh’s disabilities impact us daily. We keep locks at the tops of all exterior doors so he doesn’t break out. We have to keep one eye on him at all times, so that he doesn’t pick up a phone and dial China, or microwave his brother’s watch (don’t worry, we caught him in time). Everything we want to do requires that somebody stays home with Josh, or brings him with and keeps an eye on him. When he was small, he was so hard to share a room with that my husband had to add a bedroom to our house, specially equipped with grounded outlets and a built-in bed with a gate, to keep him from roaming the house or falling down the stairs when everyone else is asleep at night.

But we aren’t the Down Syndrome Family I envisioned that night on the way home from the hospital. We have not devoted our lives to carting Josh between experts. We have tried to keep our efforts to help Josh to a manageable level, and have balanced them with the other kids’ activities. His big brother and sisters have been scouts and camp counselors and sports participants. They have been active in homeschool group activities and church activities. We marvel at their accomplishments as much as Josh’s. (Although we may appear more effusive when Josh does something: to this day, when Josh goes to the bathroom, he announces it loudly, and then applause is heard from all over the house.)

We believe God chose our children specifically to bless our family. He knew Josh would have Down Syndrome, and he knew it would affect us, individually and as a family. But each of our children brought certain strengths and weaknesses to our family, and God used both to teach us so many lessons.

In Psalm 127:3, Solomon states, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." Note that he doesn’t say only healthy children or genius children are a reward. All children are a reward from God, and we thank Him constantly for all four of ours.

(c) Christian Homes and Special Kids (CHASK.org). Used with permission.