i was standing in the kitchen with my sister-in-law when her phone rang. she picked it up and from the conversation i could tell something was terribly wrong. she began to cry. my heart began to pound.
whatever had happened, i knew i needed to help and support her.
she hung up the phone and told me her newborn niece had been diagnosed with down syndrome. rather than sadness, a feeling of peace rushed through me. i knew that a beautiful and valiant daughter of God had just come to earth. and i couldn't wait to meet her.
we talked for a while about the challenges ahead. it still hurt, but there was comfort. a comfort that came from realizing we have the opportunity to love her. an opportunity and a blessing indeed.
i'm pretty sure this sweet little girl will have more love than she knows what to do with!
big sister is a cutie too.
6 Comments
Cherie, I second all your words. I had an uplifting experience recently that increased my testimony on this very subject. During Sacrament meeting last Sunday our past bishop was speaking about his calling in the Special Needs Mutual. He testified to us that these sweet kids must be so special to our Father in Heaven, that they came to earth, because they needed a body, but are being protected by coming to us in this state. The spirit was so strong at that time telling me that we are so blessed to have these special spirits in our life, and so blessed to have been given the opportunity to raise them. Every day I am amazed that Heavenly Father would trust me with such a spirit. I know it will be tough for them to raise this sweet child, but know that it is a wonderful blessing too. She is beautiful.
Cherie, I just read the story of the birth of your new child and I am just so incredibly grateful that you are both okay. You must have been so frightened! He is sooooo beautiful. I am just weeping right now because of you guys. So happy for you! Hang in there! Just remember by about 3 months, everything starts settling back to “normal” again. It will be here before you know it! LOVE YOU!
Down’s syndrome children seem to have such a joyful beautiful spirit. There is just something special about them! she’s gorgeous!!!
tara
She’s BEAUTIFUL!
OH SO CUTE!! The pictures, of course, are amazing. . . .and you are too.
Cherie,
We never got to tell you how much we appreciated you doing all these pictures. You have an amazing talent and we love all the pictures. We feel very lucky to have so much support! Anika has changed our family in ways that is hard to explain.
We hope you could feel the prayers through your labor. My sister kept us posted on you and the baby. I am so happy everything went ok. He is a cutie! Thanks again Dan and Tiffany Andersen 🙂