While most babies learn to support their necks in
a short time, six-month-old Jordy’s neck folded and his chin flapped on his
chest for support. I had mentioned the problem to the doctor each time I took
Jordy for a medical check-up. The last visit the doctor blurted, “That could be
a symptom of Down syndrome. I will submit a requisition to get some tests
done.” I took Jordy to get the tests, but I brushed off the idea of Down syndrome
because no one in my family had it.
The Friday, just before Easter, the phone rang. I
picked it up.
“Is this Rosena?”
“Yes,” I said.
“I got the result. Your son tested positive for
Trisomy 21.”
“What!”
I collapsed in the chair. The doctor hung up the
phone. Tears welled and flowed incessantly. Moments later, millions of
questions flooded my mind. What will I do? How will I care for Jordy? This is
unchartered territory for me. My heart flipped-flopped from love to anger. In
the crevices of my mind, fear and fury collided. Someone made an error in the
lab.
After the shock, I told my partner. We had three
daughters. He was happy with Jordy’s birth because he now had a son. However, Jordy
was not the son he wanted. After I told him Jordy had Down syndrome, he
abandoned the family.
Other than a
minor speech impediment, Jordy is smart and funny, loving and kind, athletic
and authentic. He is musically inclined, an instrument of joy as he beat-boxes, sings
and dances to the latest tune. Jordy shows and gives me love. He is a gift. A loving force so fitting for this
universe.
Jordy, my son, is not a lab error.
Written by Rosena Joseph
======
Down
syndrome day was Saturday, March 21, 2015
To learn more about Down syndrome you can visit
the National
What kind of person is who abandone the family just after having known the disease of his son? Im really sick and shaken. She is a beautiful woman, in and out, Jordy will grow up in the best way just for having her in his life. Kisses Peaches! xo
ReplyDeleteI guess it's better to not have a father than to have one who is ashamed of you.
DeleteI had an uncle with it, he was lots of fun. More so then most so called "normal" adults.
ReplyDeletePeople with beautiful souls, how can we no care for them?
DeleteI'm glad that this ended up positive. Down Syndrome can be a scary diagnosis for a parent to hear, but I'm so happy that Jordy lives a wonderful life.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are risks to having Down syndrome. Jordy is one of the lucky ones.
DeleteThat's awful that the father ran out, but inspiring that it didn't stop Rosena from raising a wonderful child.
ReplyDeleteThe spirit of a good mother....
DeleteOh, and I wanted to add that this is a lovely photo of Rosena, and she has a beautiful and radiant smile. :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems my first comment didn't publish...so I just said that I echo Michael's comment. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's there.
DeleteIt seems my first comment didn't publish...so I just said that I echo Michael's comment. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and I wanted to add that this is a lovely photo of Rosena, and she has a beautiful and radiant smile. :)
ReplyDeleteHe charmed me with his smile. What a great kid you have.
ReplyDeleteHe's charming. Rosena's child.
DeleteThanks for sharing Rosena's story of love, acceptance and courage. She's a strong and wonderful woman. Good luck to her and her family! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and leaving a comment.
DeleteJordy does indeed sound like a ray of sunshine!
ReplyDeletehe is sunshine
DeleteJordy is truly a beautiful child as is his mother!
ReplyDeleteI have a nephew with Down's Syndrome , he's 26 now and such a gift to his parents and me as well ...
Thanks for sharing, Margie.
DeleteHow horrible the father left. He was no Daddy.
ReplyDeleteJordy looks like a wonderful and loving child!
Not at all..
DeleteJordy has a beautiful smile, and seems like a wonderful kid. I'm so sorry his father left! Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteHello greeting and good wishes.
ReplyDeleteThis is a heart touching post. I am sorry to read about Jordy's down syndrome. He is such a fantastic child. I hope and pray that a cure will be found for him.
I am horrified about the father. How can he desert the family? He must be sick in the head. How can a normal man desert his family in times of need? This is totally unacceptable. Can the mother not file a case against the father? His behavior is highly despicable.
If the mother was married to the partner I wonder if the father would have deserted the family.
Best wishes
"I am horrified about the father." Yes.
DeleteI've known children with the syndrome. They are SO lovable....and smart, and funny. I feel sorry for the father. His loss.
ReplyDeleteMy experience too. They are lovable.
DeleteChildren with Down’s Syndrome are the most loving, sweetest, most affectionate and funny of all children.
ReplyDeleteFact.
Why couldn’t his stupid dad see that?
And yes, affectionate and funny.
DeleteI've known many children with Downs Syndrome. While they might not be physically attractive, they are lovable, sweet people. The father missed a lot, not getting to know his son!
ReplyDeleteLovable children.
DeleteI've known many children with Downs Syndrome. While they might not be physically attractive, they are lovable, sweet people. The father missed a lot, not getting to know his son!
ReplyDeleteBoth you and Jordy... have been blessed
ReplyDeleteJordy and his mom are blessed.
DeleteWonderful wonderful Story you wrote! a Mother's heart is the brightest star in the world, Bless her and her son, happiness shines from his beautiful face and his father will never know the joy it is more of a loss for him then it will ever be for his son. God Bless for writing this beautiful story about Jordy and his loving mom!
ReplyDeleteLorraine, Jordy's mom wrote the story. I thank her for sharing her story.
DeleteWhat a touching story. Jordy sounds like a blessing to you! Thanks for sharing this story. What a loss to the father. I hope it won't affect Jordy too much when he fully understands this abandonment.
ReplyDeleteHe is loved by his immediate family, so he probably won't be affected that much.
DeleteA lovely story. Every child should be given a chance, not abandoned like Jordy's father did. What I know from personal experience is that children with a disability can't be written off or put in a certain box because they can do all sorts of things.
ReplyDeleteThanks for saying those words, Nick.
DeleteThese kids are really special... genuine and loving!
ReplyDeleteRosena looks like such a vibrant person... specially chosen to care for Jordy.