by Kim Mares
I have never felt like a "special mom" as some people like to label me. I'm just your mom. I don't feel privileged to have a child with Down syndrome, I feel privileged to have YOU, my six year old son who happens to have an intellectual disability, in my life. If I could cure your syndrome, I would, just as I would cure your cancer if you were to ever have that dreaded disease.

Rating: 5.0/5

As I reflect on our almost six year journey after your birth, I still have many questions. Why do people not see value in a life that is different? I remember when I was still pregnant with you. We knew you needed major stomach surgery and we were checking on your heart, hoping and praying that you would not need yet another surgery. Your Dad and I were at your last prenatal sonogram waiting for the radiologist's verdict. After many long minutes of examining your heart, he told us it looked like you would not require heart surgery. We were so excited, we began hugging and crying and laughing! The radiologist just looked at us in a puzzled way and said, "You know your son still has Down Syndrome." I wanted to scream at him and say,"Why can't we be happy that our son will not have to endure even more pain and suffering and another life threatening procedure? He is a BABY, OUR baby!"

Rating: 5.0/5

This story is the story of Jonathan. He is our sixth child and was born with Down Syndrome. I write these words in hopes that they will encourage others to believe in the potential of all children, especially children who are born with a disability.

Rating: 4.3/5