One Year Down This Path - A Fathers Perspective On Down Syndrome

One year ago - On December 16th, 2010 my daughter Bethany was born into this world. To our surprise, she arrived with "something extra" that our family was not expecting. That something extra was attached to her DNA, and most of us know it as - Down Syndrome. This is my birthday gift to her - as I truly feel like my family "won the lottery" - because of her.

However, in the first few days and weeks after she arrived, we were angry, confused and concerned.

My hope is to shed some light on this path for someone who recently might have been given similar news. More than 60% of us were given this diagnosis completely unexpectedly or even at birth.

There are 400,000 other people living with Down Syndrome across the United States. As we noted in this video, they are making a huge impression on their families. Welcome to this wonderful community of caring and understanding people.

Let me know if I can help you or someone you know begin their trip "Down" this road.

• Category

  People & Blogs

[Ken Licata]

Oh how wonderful you presented this! I wish more people could see this and truly UNDESTAND. My wife and I had our first trip to "Holland" almost 5 years ago. We enjoyed this trip so much that less than 2 years ago we traveled to Russia and adopted our daughter (from "Holland"). Thank you once again for giving a fathers perspective on this.

[BethanysBiggestFan]

Ken - Congratulations on both! You are a very special family to put in that extra effort and bring so much more to their lives. I am humbled.

[MooseZilla10]

Beautiful story. Amazing what can happen when you open your mind, body and spirit to LOVE and gratitude. That kind of positivity and willingness to look at change as being full of ease and grace can have a profound impact on you, those around you and what you contribute to this Universe. Wishing these folks all the best!

[BethanysBiggestFan]

Thanks Moose!

[coyote70k]

Holland is Beautiful!!!

[BethanysBiggestFan]

I agree!

[AnalWave]

People with Down Syndrome are capable of being active members in society, providing skill-based services, are able to make lasting bonds with peer groups, live on their own (with minimal aid), and often pursue college education. The uniqueness of their genetic make up is just that, what makes people exceptional is their ability to be exceptional, not solely things they have no control over. Although, it is diversity and society's expectations/misunderstandings that makes someone more interesting

[albert333pool]

My wife is 20 weeks pregnant and one of her blood test came back with something "wrong". Her amnio is this Thursday & were anxiously awaiting what they tell us? Possibly a false alarm or possibly something else... If we "win the lottery", so be it! Beautiful video Sir

[olsentwinluv4ever]

Aw! My brother has Down syndrome, and I understand what you're saying. Your daughter is so beautiful!

[Jeff Fischer]

Liam, our son, is more than we could have ever asked for. We're glad that others have recognized the gift they've been given as well!

[Brigitte Fischer]

Love this, thank you. My husband and I never had that initial feeling of landing somewhere else but we know a lot of people have, we're just lucky I suppose. But I really love the way you let people know our kids are such a wonderful gift to us!!

[Sexigal2013]

Sir can I just sulloet you your an truly an amazing father you look up 2 her and love ur so proud off her may god bless you and your fam I to have a hole in my heart

[Zoe Kosmadakis]

Amazing