An inspiring adoption

Perspective changes everything. I read this post a short time ago about children with Down’s Syndrome. As a physical therapist in special education, I have worked with many children with Down’s Syndrome and their families. The continuum of severity of symptoms is huge, as is the continuum of families’ levels of acceptance and abilities to deal with a child with disabilities. With medical advancements, this is one syndrome that can be detected early in fetal development. Because of this, many parents are given the option of aborting the baby during pregnancy and frequently this is the decision chosen.

When a child is born with Down’s Syndrome, the parents often react with great disappointment. Some choose to not take the chance to have more affected children and others choose to adopt a “normal” baby instead. But one family I know has made another choice.

A co-worker’s daughter gave birth to a beautiful little girl 3 1/2 years ago. I saw the “proud Grandma” pictures and this little girl was simply adorable. She also was born with Down’s Syndrome. We frequently talked about the medical and motor complications and development. She progressed a little slower than other children her age but every accomplishment was celebrated and shared. Recently ”Grandma” stopped me to give me the latest news. Her daughter and son-in-law had been forced to learn all they could about Down’s Syndrome, but more importantly they had learned to love a very special little girl. They have decided to have another child. They are now awaiting word to become parents to a second little girl, this one adopted from Russia. This little girl is also 3 1/2 years old and has Down’s Syndrome.

When many parents are choosing to end a pregnancy to avoid raising a child with certain difficulties, this family is saving a little girl. You see, in Russia, children with disabilties in orphanages have until they are 4 years old to be adopted. After that age, they are placed in a different type of orphanage where they are left with very limited care and contact. The minimum needs are met and these children have little or no chance for progress. This family is giving this little girl a whole new world.

We can be angry and bitter, never getting past the troubles we face, or we can learn to embrace difficulties and allow them make us stronger and to grow. Frequently, through our suffering, God chooses to do His best work in us. It’s all about perspective. Perspective in this case gave a wonderful little girl a chance for a family, love, and a better life. Shifting how we deal with our struggles may allow God to work through us too.