We are the Stow Family and this is our story. Our lives are blessed by Love, Joy and Hope. Follow our sometimes interesting stories on loving our two boys, exploring parenthood, and celebrating a little extra - two parents, two boys and an extra chromosome!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

one in twenty-five

I thought I should share an interesting bit of information that I got from my Obgyn the other day...
Now, let me first say that my Obgyn, the one who delivered Malakai and who will be delivering Harlan (soon... hopefully...), is someone I just adore! I was so excited to see him again through my second pregnancy and we talk alot - about children with special needs and about life in general.
He shared something really interesting with me the other day. He told me that despite all the technology, the scans, the blood tests, the amnios, and yes... the resultant 'terminations' of babies who are not considered 'perfect'... despite all this, the average rate of a child born with a genetic or other defect sits firmly at 4%. That is one in twenty-five...
They cannot seem to budge this number... and I am taken aback by the poetic nature of... well... nature!
What does this tell me? Well, it confirms that my son is worthy of life. It confirms that all people who are 'differently-abled' are worthy of life.
It confirms that world is a place where a tree with a crooked branch can stand next to a tree that is perfectly manicured and still offer shade, still sway in the breeze and still do a darn good job of being a tree!
The number cannot be changed for a good reason - and I think every mother of a child with special needs can give you one, if not one-hundred, reasons why their child has blessed their life and the lives of those around them.
Just a little bit of interesting information.

9 comments:

Christine said...

Well said!

Ann said...

Love this post and your tree analogy!

Lacey said...

That is interesting! And very well said!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely brilliant post!

Alan Anderson said...

Love it!

Anonymous said...

This makes so much sense and is so well-written.

Wishing you an easy delivery and Harlan a healthy start.

Barbara

Unknown said...

A what a perfect "forrest" you have dear Loren!

Elriza Paul said...

Hear Hear! And not only mothers to special needs children, but even people who have just been blessed to share your shade, like us, can give you one-hundred reasons!!!

Deqlan said...

Amen Loren Amen