Comments for

Comment on Sheila Harkin’s 21 Story by Nema

Nema — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 12:05:16 +0000

We love Grady and he always did exactly the same things at our house when he came. Please tell him Happy Easter from Aunt Nema and Uncle James too.

Comment on Sheila Harkin’s 21 Story by sheila

sheila — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 01:58:16 +0000

Thanks, Faye! Yes, please tell Grady that I said hello–I have so many wonderful memories of him!

Comment on Sheila Harkin’s 21 Story by Faye Ansley LaBauve

Faye Ansley LaBauve — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 00:05:44 +0000

Love your story Sheila. I have a special place in my heart for Sweet Grady. I work for his mother. He will come home for Easter holiday tomorrow. I will give him a hug for you.

Comment on Stories of People With Down Syndrome Changing Lives by tearstin

tearstin — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 16:22:04 +0000

im happy to help out people with down syndrome and i really have changed by helping them that need????

Comment on If They Had a Voice by Andrea K Moore (@crimsondiva2005)

Andrea K Moore (@crimsondiva2005) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 16:23:18 +0000

I just saw a blurb of your story on a cnn.com feature story on unforgettable Personal Essays of this past year. I was so intrigued that I had to look up your story. I have just viewed your video and, as with other commenters, was moved to tears. I have a 17 year old daughter that lives with Neurofibromatosis (NF1). It is a wide ranging genetic condition, but in a nutshell the chromosome that controls the growth of cells is missing resulting in the growth of external and internal tumors. In addition to health issues, it can be quite disfiguring and a large number of people also have learning problems. My daughter has a more pressing form of the disorder (she just had spinal tumors removed in October that we’re robbing her of her mobility by the incomparable Dr. Allan Friedman of Duke University) , and she is on the autism spectrum as well. I was recently asked by another new found friend living with NF if I blamed God for her condition. My response was this: I had to be honest and admit that I did at one time question God, but it was a purely selfish ask based on the fantasies of the child I thought I would receive. I had to come to terms with the fact that I did not create her-He did. And anytime I have particularly challenging moments with her, who she is, and who I “wanted” her to be, I refer to 1 Timothy 4:4 “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with Thanksgiving.” We prayed for a daughter and got one. The package of the gift may not be what I expected, but when I consider the treasure she is on the inside, this genuinely kind and gently spirit with a smile to rival the sun and who loves her mother unconditionally, I can’t help but be thankful to Him and take care of the gift I’ve been given.

It seems you’ve come to this same epiphany as well. Your daughter is an absolute beauty. Thank you for so eloquently sharing your story and her voice. You have put any spur in my side to be a greater voice for my daughter and those living with NF.

May God continue to cover you and yours in His love and grace in this new year and beyond-

Comment on If They Had a Voice by Robin black

Robin black — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 07:21:49 +0000

Whenever life gets little harder please keep in mind there are millions who r inspired by you and rooting for you. A chance at life, that’s the greatest gift in this world. Who r we to deny anybody that opportunity ? We r proud of you Jack . Light up ur life and millions around the world.

Comment on About Us by Linda

Linda — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:19:29 +0000

My friend pointed me to your website. We have an 8 year old daughter with downs. My husband and I were doing mission work in the South Pacific, returned to the states and found out we were pregnant with our fourth child. All of her prenatal testing was normal. We were totally blown away when they told us she had Downs. I totally understand the emotions you went through. The depression, the anger and resentment, the feelings of being punished, believing the lies of society, the fear, and yet the love. I remember waking up in the middle of the night, looking at her and wondering how I could just get the Downs out of her because she was so precious. My husband and I both really struggled for a while. However, I want you to know that as the years have gone by, I look back at that dark season and I have been completely healed of my issues with having a child with down syndrome. She is an amazing piece to our family, and she is an amazing source of love. After she was two years old, we went to the Philippines for 4 years. We are back in the US for her education now and she is just loving on everyone. You have to go through your season, and eventually, you will look back at it and you will see how God heals us from our prejudice. I wouldn’t trade her for ANYTHING!!!!! And I wouldn’t have shed a tear back then, IF I would have known what I know now. God bless you and your precious, blessed family! Our daughter’s name is Mari….Mari and Marley look very similar! Be encouraged. Thank you for what you are doing!!
-Linda

Comment on If They Had a Voice by maja

maja — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 18:40:21 +0000

My mom’s younger sister had Down Syndrome. They grew up in the 60s and 70s when there were still a lot of misconceptions about it and people back then would say ‘mongoloid’ and ‘retarded’ to describe people like her. Luckily our aunt was able to grow up in a supportive environment and we all considered her our little angel. She was always the candid one, saying out loud things we just silently thought. She loved to laugh and dance. She would throw a quick tantrum and then get back to what she was busy with. She had a funny nickname for everyone. She lived until her mid-fifties and we, all the nieces and nephews that she left behind, still miss her a lot. She was a happy part of our growing up years.

Blessings to your family and your little one.

Comment on If They Had a Voice by fernando

fernando — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 08:23:47 +0000

Gracias por este precioso video que va a hacer mucho bien. Tengo un hijo con sindrome de down y quiero hacer lo mismo pero en español. Les mandaria una copia para que lo vean y me gustaria saber el titulo y autor de la cancion.
Fernando
[email protected]

Comment on If They Had a Voice by Wilma

Wilma — Sat, 31 Aug 2013 18:04:18 +0000

The video brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful. I always feared having a child with Down syndrome before, that is less now.