Not Knowing What to Expect

Nobody knows what to expect when they find out they are having a baby.  But when we are told that our child will have a few challenges in life, we are sometimes not given much hope.

Most first time moms can easily get overwhelmed with having a new baby,  but when a medical diagnosis of any kind is added to the mix, it can be quite stressful.  I'm speaking from experience.   It wasn't until I started receiving services for my daughter that I began questioning a few things. 


Some of my questions from within

• Why must my daughter receive these services at an early age, when she is progressing quite well?
• What is it about my daughter that professionals think needs repairing?  I certainly can't change the number of chromosomes, so why change her to fit society?  
• Why do I feel let down and a failure after the physical therapist leaves?  My child was always in tears when the therapist did her thing and I felt helpless.  People have a way of making you feel bad with their words and actions.
• How do you know what my child will be able to do?  Do you have a crystal ball and can see well into the future?

I shared a few of my questions, because when we were given a medical diagnosis of Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) for our daughter, we were told not to expect much from our child.  I was amazed at how many times I heard some professionals say, "I'm sorry."   I couldn't sit by and accept other people's prognosis for my child, regardless of what it looked like

When my husband and I were given our daughter's diagnosis, the first thing I remember the doctor saying was, "Don't expect a rocket scientist."  How many parents actually expect their child to become a rocket scientist? 


Writing off a child because he/she has a disability is totally wrong.  Who really knows what a child with a disability can become?  With a strong support system, the possibilities are endless.


No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.  No one can know what anyone else is really thinking except the person alone, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit.   I Corinthians 2:9, 11 NLT