After hearing the words, “We suspect your baby had Down syndrome,” we began the roller coaster journey — experiencing grief, guilt, anger, confusion, frustration, and the exhaustion of caring for a new baby. We depended on our faith: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13), and “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil 4:6). 

After ten years on this journey, we no longer see Catherine as a disabled child, but we see the gifts God gave her and how God uses Catherine to fulfill His purpose on earth. After accepting Catherine’s diagnosis, we began focusing on her strengths and accomplishments. 

Catherine teaches us to totally surrender to God’s plan and control. The one thing we desire the most in life for our children is that they spend eternity in heaven and have a true relationship with Jesus. Catherine is very sensitive to the Holy Spirit and is a lighthouse for teaching love, mercy, and compassion. 

Life is an ongoing process. As we approach our son’s high school graduation next year, there will be change in our family, and we will adjust and go on. In our experience with having a child with Down syndrome, we have learned that we may recycle old feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, but each time these feelings are not as overwhelming or as intense as before. Through God’s grace you grow stronger and you make it! 

There are five points of advice for parents: 

1. Your child is more like other children than unlike them.

2. Take time for yourself; don’t be a martyr.

3. Help is available; Ask and you shall receive. 

4. Talk to other parents. 

5. Trust your instincts. 

Karan & Eric Clark