We have recently gotten to know an amazing family here in Yakima that has a truly inspiring story. We met Aaron and Amy Vawter because Aaron is a 3rd year resident in the same program Jon is in. We have met up for the CWFM socials, and Amy and I have gotten together with our kids, mostly at Gymnastics Plus! I feel so blessed to have met their family, and have enjoyed our new friendship!
Their youngest son, Matthew who is about 16 months old has Down's Syndrome and was born with several heart defects. When the doctors found out the problems through ultrasound and other diagnostic tools while she was pregnant, they told them the baby would not live, and if born, would not live very long. The doctors strongly urged her on several occasions to terminate the pregnancy so they could move on. Being very religious and anit-abortion, they said no- they would continue the pregnancy. To make a long story short, they gave birth after a full pregnancy and miracles began happening. Many of the defects healed on their own, and at a few months old he grew strong enough to be a canditate for heart surgery. The surgery went well and now they have a beautiful, healthy little boy. It is so disturbing to find out that most parents who find out they are going to have a baby with Down's Syndrome, abort the baby. These poor babies are not even given a chance. I look at the life that little boy brings to their home, though there will be and are challenges, and am horrified to know that the doctors did not want to even give him a chance.
I would encourage you to listen to a full account of their story, which they told at their church a couple of weeks ago. Go to this link and click on the sermon for January 18th. They spoke for about 10 minutes at the very beginning of the sermon.
http://www.wsbcyakima.org/sermons.asp?startmonth=1/2009&nm=1
You can also view the Vawter's blog, which also has their story and more about Matthew.
It is TRULY inspiring!!
2 months ago
2 comments:
I so appreciate this story, Becky. I really do not understand why doctor's insit terminating a child with down's. I grew up with a cousin who has this syndrome, and I can't begin to tell you how much I have learned from him and how much richer my life is for knowing him. Now it is fun to see my children learning from him!! He is the kindest, most non- judgemental person I know. Granted, he is 23 and can probably never be on his own, but my aunt never treated him any differently than his brothers and sisters, and because of that he knows exactly what is expected of him and he is actually pretty self- sufficent. My aunt and uncle's family just would not be complete without him. I am grateful that she (my aunt)also made the right choice when the doctor's told her the same thing! (FYI...it's Akers)
Oh Becky, I feel like I am so behind on everyone's blogs, but as usual, I am so glad I chose to click on yours today! What an inspirational story, and you're right, it is so sad that so many babies are aborted without even being given a chance. And I know that a special needs child brings unique difficulties to their families, but they also bring increased love and blessings that so outweigh the hardships.
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