Two new books I'd recommend. The first is from Og Mandino called The Greatest Miracle in the World. The book includes a chapter called "The God Memorandum", a memo from God. Here's a snippet, "Take counsel. I hear your cry. It passes through the darkness, filters through the clouds, mingles with starlight, and finds it's way to my heart on the path of a sunbeam. I have anguished over the cry of a hare choked in the noose of a snare, a sparrow tumbled from the nest of its mother, a child thrashing helplessly in a pond, and a Son shedding His blood on a cross. Know that I hear you, also. Be at peace."
I also recommend "How to Listen to God" by Charles Stanley. This particular book tells how God communicates with us through His Word, and teaches us how to listen to God, and know when He is trying to get our attention. It's clear that God has used the challenges in my life to get my attention, and to lean on Him and trust Him for guidance and assistance.
Check these out and let me know what you think!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Reece's Surgery Tomorrow Morning
Sorry for the delay in getting a new post. Been traveling extensively on business and just got a little tuckered out.
Reece goes in for his ear surgery tomorrow morning. The plan is to get his ears cleaned out, find out what exactly is in his inner ear (hopefully not a cholesteatoma), and put his new ear tubes in. Admittedly, I'm concerned about what they'll find in his ear. He's been so uncomfortable since he last went in for surgery, but he's such a brave little kid with such a high tolerance for pain, holding his ears is the only way he can communicate his discomfort. Not being verbal is a challenge because he cannot really tell us what he's feeling. It's hard as a parent to know that your child cannot communicate how he's feeling.
I'll post tomorrow afternoon with an update!
Blessings to all.
Reece goes in for his ear surgery tomorrow morning. The plan is to get his ears cleaned out, find out what exactly is in his inner ear (hopefully not a cholesteatoma), and put his new ear tubes in. Admittedly, I'm concerned about what they'll find in his ear. He's been so uncomfortable since he last went in for surgery, but he's such a brave little kid with such a high tolerance for pain, holding his ears is the only way he can communicate his discomfort. Not being verbal is a challenge because he cannot really tell us what he's feeling. It's hard as a parent to know that your child cannot communicate how he's feeling.
I'll post tomorrow afternoon with an update!
Blessings to all.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ear Surgery for Reece
Reece will also be going in for his ear surgery on September 1. I'm mildly concerned that they are going to find something in his ears that isn't good. We had that scare with cholesteatoma a few weeks ago. Not sure I'm over that yet. That was scary!
We've worked hard to keep him from getting water in his ears, and he seems to be feeling better. No more discharge from his ears and he doesn't appear to be in pain anymore. The catch on the surgery is that his ears need to be free of infection by 9/1. Let's pray that he's healed and get get his new tubes and a good hard look at his inner ear to make sure he's "healthy".
More from the road!
We've worked hard to keep him from getting water in his ears, and he seems to be feeling better. No more discharge from his ears and he doesn't appear to be in pain anymore. The catch on the surgery is that his ears need to be free of infection by 9/1. Let's pray that he's healed and get get his new tubes and a good hard look at his inner ear to make sure he's "healthy".
More from the road!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
35,000 Foot View
Writing you from a Delta flight from Atlanta to Washington Reagan National Airport. We're 35,000 feet up. How are you?
Finally heading home after my 7 day business trip...for a few days anyway. Head back out on Wednesday for a 3 day trip.
CA was great. One thing I learned...I work for a great company. I'm lucky. Great people, great leadership, great products. I'm lucky. I knew this already. But this past week solidified the feeling.
My wife did very well with the boys by themselves. Reece really only had one bad day that I heard of. They went and did some things, went to museums, etc. It was hot, so I'm glad they were able to get out of the house and not have to be in the heat.
More to come once I finally get home. Until then, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy my flight.
Finally heading home after my 7 day business trip...for a few days anyway. Head back out on Wednesday for a 3 day trip.
CA was great. One thing I learned...I work for a great company. I'm lucky. Great people, great leadership, great products. I'm lucky. I knew this already. But this past week solidified the feeling.
My wife did very well with the boys by themselves. Reece really only had one bad day that I heard of. They went and did some things, went to museums, etc. It was hot, so I'm glad they were able to get out of the house and not have to be in the heat.
More to come once I finally get home. Until then, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy my flight.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Inspirational Quote of the Day
"I will toil and I will endure. I will ignore the obstacles at my feet and keep mine eyes on the goals above my head, for I know that where dry desert ends, green grass grows." - Og Mandino from The Greatest Salesman in the World
Hello From California!
Greetings from Southern California. Today was Day 4 of a 7 day business trip. It's been good so far. I have been able to talk with my family each and every day so far. My youngest son cried on the phone last night because he wanted me to come home. It's heart breaking.
I think that as a dad, one of the hardest things I have to do is be away from my family for work. I never want to be the dad who's gone 5 days a week traveling. I accept the reality of a life in sales that requires being on the road. I'm OK with that. I actually like it. But it doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye to my family when I leave on a trip.
I know that Reece is a challenge and being home alone with the boys for 7 days is hard for my wife. Luckily, she has had some help from her youngest brother, and her family lives 1.5 miles away. Needless to say, I'll owe her big-time when I get home. But then again, I leave for another 3 day trip next Wednesday.
I'm at a sales training class this week. I love learning new things, especially in business and faith-based material.
I'd love to hear from others of you who travel, perhaps for extended periods of time, and how you deal with the stress and loneliness of being away from your families.
Until tomorrow, God bless you.
I think that as a dad, one of the hardest things I have to do is be away from my family for work. I never want to be the dad who's gone 5 days a week traveling. I accept the reality of a life in sales that requires being on the road. I'm OK with that. I actually like it. But it doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye to my family when I leave on a trip.
I know that Reece is a challenge and being home alone with the boys for 7 days is hard for my wife. Luckily, she has had some help from her youngest brother, and her family lives 1.5 miles away. Needless to say, I'll owe her big-time when I get home. But then again, I leave for another 3 day trip next Wednesday.
I'm at a sales training class this week. I love learning new things, especially in business and faith-based material.
I'd love to hear from others of you who travel, perhaps for extended periods of time, and how you deal with the stress and loneliness of being away from your families.
Until tomorrow, God bless you.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Down Syndrome Awareness
Greetings from the road. Cincinnati tonight, heading to CA in the morning.
Had another opportunity to share my experiences with a colleague who was unaware of Down Syndrome, what it was, and what it means as a parent. This particular colleague just found out his wife is expecting child number 2 at age 38. I didn't want to scare him but the odds of him having a Down Syndrome child have increased because of his wife's age. I'm always hesitant to bring that up.
I had to explain what it meant for my son, his behaviors, what he looks like, cognitive delays, etc. This guy just didn't have a clue. There was absolutely no inkling of a possibility of his future child having any kind of challenge. It was my greatest fear when my wife was pregnant with Reece.
I once had a boss who was inspired by my strength in handling Down Syndrome, Reece's Rainbow, etc. and was always encouraging me to share my store with colleagues, clients, etc. I'm learning that it's not always an appropriate story to tell. Especially in today's social climate with the current healthcare debate...I'm not sure how I would react to someone indicating that they think my child is a drain on the healthcare system. I'm afraid that I might compromise my Christian values in my response.
I wonder if any one of you has any experience with people confronting you about your child and their special needs. I can infer from the comments of people who I know are pro choice when they say, "I know I couldn't go through with it". When they say they are afraid of having another child at thier age because of their experience with my son.
It stings. And I want to protect my son.
Anyway, what are your thoughts?
By the way - had a good 8 hour business meeting today with a strategic account. I'm encouraged by the opportunity.
Had another opportunity to share my experiences with a colleague who was unaware of Down Syndrome, what it was, and what it means as a parent. This particular colleague just found out his wife is expecting child number 2 at age 38. I didn't want to scare him but the odds of him having a Down Syndrome child have increased because of his wife's age. I'm always hesitant to bring that up.
I had to explain what it meant for my son, his behaviors, what he looks like, cognitive delays, etc. This guy just didn't have a clue. There was absolutely no inkling of a possibility of his future child having any kind of challenge. It was my greatest fear when my wife was pregnant with Reece.
I once had a boss who was inspired by my strength in handling Down Syndrome, Reece's Rainbow, etc. and was always encouraging me to share my store with colleagues, clients, etc. I'm learning that it's not always an appropriate story to tell. Especially in today's social climate with the current healthcare debate...I'm not sure how I would react to someone indicating that they think my child is a drain on the healthcare system. I'm afraid that I might compromise my Christian values in my response.
I wonder if any one of you has any experience with people confronting you about your child and their special needs. I can infer from the comments of people who I know are pro choice when they say, "I know I couldn't go through with it". When they say they are afraid of having another child at thier age because of their experience with my son.
It stings. And I want to protect my son.
Anyway, what are your thoughts?
By the way - had a good 8 hour business meeting today with a strategic account. I'm encouraged by the opportunity.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Business Travel
Greetings from Lexington KY. I love this town. Beautiful rolling hills lines with white fences...real nice.
I always feel bad about leaving the family for business but as I sometimes tell my kids, it's part of being a dad. I know how much of a challenge Reece can be at times and I worry about the drain on my wife. But she says Reece was an angel today as she took him around to run some errands.
He seems to be relatively unaffected by the bee sting. I wonder if he even realized what had happened. But for now, all things are well on the home front. And that makes things easier on the road.
It's funny that part of doing my very best to take care of my family, even with the challenges of being a paretn of a child with special needs, is to be on the road for business. I really struggle with that sometimes. I see and hear of dads being home for baseball practice at 5PM 3 nights a week and wonder how they do it.
I always feel bad about leaving the family for business but as I sometimes tell my kids, it's part of being a dad. I know how much of a challenge Reece can be at times and I worry about the drain on my wife. But she says Reece was an angel today as she took him around to run some errands.
He seems to be relatively unaffected by the bee sting. I wonder if he even realized what had happened. But for now, all things are well on the home front. And that makes things easier on the road.
It's funny that part of doing my very best to take care of my family, even with the challenges of being a paretn of a child with special needs, is to be on the road for business. I really struggle with that sometimes. I see and hear of dads being home for baseball practice at 5PM 3 nights a week and wonder how they do it.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
When the bees sting...
Reece got stung by a bee today. Handled it like a champ. I'm actually surprised he's not allergic to the sting to be honest.
He's been really isolating himself lately. He'll just go downstairs and play basketball and if I go down to see him he'll just say, "Dan-dee, go!" and then pushes me up the stairs.
I'm leaving for a business trip in the morning. I'll be gone for seven days. It will be difficult for my wife, and I always feel somewhat guilty for leaving, even on business.
I'll write from the road.
He's been really isolating himself lately. He'll just go downstairs and play basketball and if I go down to see him he'll just say, "Dan-dee, go!" and then pushes me up the stairs.
I'm leaving for a business trip in the morning. I'll be gone for seven days. It will be difficult for my wife, and I always feel somewhat guilty for leaving, even on business.
I'll write from the road.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Interesting Time at the Fair
So we spent about 4 hours at the fair this evening. I don't think Reece wanted to be there. The area where the rides were was certainly too busy and loud for him. He has a sensory processing disorder. Sometimes he does well. Others he doesn't. But there were some areas where the animals and petting zoos were that he did quite well.
In the Bunny Barn he literally went cage by cage (there were hundreds of them) to peek in on each rabbit to say hello. He loved the goats and sheep. Funny, but hearing the sheep say "baaah" sounded remarkably similar to how Reece sounds when he says "Ahmbee" (Mommy). He did play a few games and won a prize (he chose a slinky). My youngest won two goldfish. We have 4 cats. It will be an interesting night.
For a while now I've been thinking Reece is mildly autistic on top of his Down Syndrome, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Doctors always say he isn't. But in reading an article on Autistic Spectrum Disorder, maybe he is. It's hard because the other three challenges often ask as a mask, making behavioral diagnoses difficult to pin down. We've had him evaluated by several highly regarded specialists but, nothing. I think we'll have him tested again now that he's 7, more verbal, and further along congnitively.
In the Bunny Barn he literally went cage by cage (there were hundreds of them) to peek in on each rabbit to say hello. He loved the goats and sheep. Funny, but hearing the sheep say "baaah" sounded remarkably similar to how Reece sounds when he says "Ahmbee" (Mommy). He did play a few games and won a prize (he chose a slinky). My youngest won two goldfish. We have 4 cats. It will be an interesting night.
For a while now I've been thinking Reece is mildly autistic on top of his Down Syndrome, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Doctors always say he isn't. But in reading an article on Autistic Spectrum Disorder, maybe he is. It's hard because the other three challenges often ask as a mask, making behavioral diagnoses difficult to pin down. We've had him evaluated by several highly regarded specialists but, nothing. I think we'll have him tested again now that he's 7, more verbal, and further along congnitively.
Montgomery County Fair
We're leaving for the Montgomery County Fair in a few minutes. This is going to go one of two ways. Either Reece will be overwhelmed by the noise and activity, or he'll love it so much that he'll go limp on the ground when it's time to go and force me to carry him several hundred yards to the car.
I hope he loves it. I'll be back with an update and maybe some pictures later tonight!
I hope he loves it. I'll be back with an update and maybe some pictures later tonight!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thyroid Test
Reece goes in for his periodic thyroid test tomorrow...or today...what time is it anyway? There's always concern about these tests but he passed the last one and things do not seem to have changed since. I feel confident.
He came downstairs as my wife were in the kitchen talking. He was half asleep with his eyes closed. We wrapped him up on the couch where he is sleeping now. I'll take him up when I go to bed. He looks so peaceful when he's sleeping. But as my wife observed just a moment ago, with his chronic ear problems, ADHD, and sensory issues, he really has no peace while he's awake. I grieve that for him.
Met a gentlemen, a business partner actually, for lunch today in Atlanta. Mixing in business and personal conversation over lunch, he shared that his oldest son is mildly autistic. Great guy. I could tell that he shared the same loyalty and dedication to his family that I feel. We want to make sure our kids are set for life long after we're gone.
While this blog is mainly about Down Syndrome, I want to communicate that any Dad with a child who has special needs is welcome here. So please encourage your circle of friends in your community to join us. If we can provide support and comfort for just one Dad...
When I consider the ratios for Autism and Down Syndrome births around the world, I have to believe there's millions of Dads like us who share this struggle. Let's connect and see how we can help each other out. I have created a Yahoo group for this blog...that sounds odd. I have created a Yahoo discussion group that mirrors the theme for this blog. As soon as I figure out how it works, I'll post the link here on this blog. Then we can interact with each other, share experiences, and advice. We can pray together.
Stay tuned and be blessed.
He came downstairs as my wife were in the kitchen talking. He was half asleep with his eyes closed. We wrapped him up on the couch where he is sleeping now. I'll take him up when I go to bed. He looks so peaceful when he's sleeping. But as my wife observed just a moment ago, with his chronic ear problems, ADHD, and sensory issues, he really has no peace while he's awake. I grieve that for him.
Met a gentlemen, a business partner actually, for lunch today in Atlanta. Mixing in business and personal conversation over lunch, he shared that his oldest son is mildly autistic. Great guy. I could tell that he shared the same loyalty and dedication to his family that I feel. We want to make sure our kids are set for life long after we're gone.
While this blog is mainly about Down Syndrome, I want to communicate that any Dad with a child who has special needs is welcome here. So please encourage your circle of friends in your community to join us. If we can provide support and comfort for just one Dad...
When I consider the ratios for Autism and Down Syndrome births around the world, I have to believe there's millions of Dads like us who share this struggle. Let's connect and see how we can help each other out. I have created a Yahoo group for this blog...that sounds odd. I have created a Yahoo discussion group that mirrors the theme for this blog. As soon as I figure out how it works, I'll post the link here on this blog. Then we can interact with each other, share experiences, and advice. We can pray together.
Stay tuned and be blessed.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Greetings From Atlanta
Hello from Atlanta.
Down here on business for an overnight trip. Staying with my parents. I haven't seen them since November so it's good to be here. But I do miss my family. I know it's hard on my wife to manage both boys who really feed off of each other.
Report in from home says that Reece had a bit of a difficult day today. My wife took him to WalMart where he was far less than cooperative. Reece also has ADHD which is a nasty combination with Down Syndrome. He has his good days and then...other days. He likes to be active and to have free reign. Can't blame him really. Don't we all?
Grocery stores can be noisy and his ears are super sensitive because of whatever that "thing" is in his right ear. Poor little man.
More tomorrow night when I return home
Down here on business for an overnight trip. Staying with my parents. I haven't seen them since November so it's good to be here. But I do miss my family. I know it's hard on my wife to manage both boys who really feed off of each other.
Report in from home says that Reece had a bit of a difficult day today. My wife took him to WalMart where he was far less than cooperative. Reece also has ADHD which is a nasty combination with Down Syndrome. He has his good days and then...other days. He likes to be active and to have free reign. Can't blame him really. Don't we all?
Grocery stores can be noisy and his ears are super sensitive because of whatever that "thing" is in his right ear. Poor little man.
More tomorrow night when I return home
Down Syndrome and Ear Problems
The last week and a half or so have been kind of a roller coaster ride with my son. In a nutshell, he went in for his 4th set of ear tubes (Down Syndrome children are prone to ear problems) and was diagnosed with a massive cholesteatoma in his right ear. We were shocked and scared. Surgery was imminent and would likely leave him deaf in that ear. Mix in all of the other potential complications...we were scared.
Prayers from family and friends appeared to have come through when the doctor called and, surprised by the CT Scan images and the biopsy, concluded that there was, in fact, no cholesteatoma. To say that prayers were answered is an understatement. There is still "something going on" in his right ear. Surgery is scheduled for September 1 to clean out his ear and replace his tubes if we can get rid of a perpetual infection.
It's hard to watch your child struggle with any medical challenge. To know he is in pain and cannot hear well is difficult to manage. The amazing thing is that throughout the whole week of testing and waiting for results and preparing for emergency surgery, I was calm inside. I was able to manage my emotions, focus on the task at hand at work, and still be a strong leader for the family. Prayer works.
Considering the challenges other children with Down Syndrome face, my son has it pretty good. We have not had to experience heart surgery, or feeding tubes, or GI problems. I can imagine it has to be difficult for some dads to get up in the morning and face the pressures of being a husband, father, employee, boss, or what-have-you while your son or daughter struggles to eat, or breathe. More difficult than anything I've faced.
I guess I can thank Paul for his letter to the Philippians (4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Words to live by.
I welcome your thoughts and experiences. Give me a shout!
Prayers from family and friends appeared to have come through when the doctor called and, surprised by the CT Scan images and the biopsy, concluded that there was, in fact, no cholesteatoma. To say that prayers were answered is an understatement. There is still "something going on" in his right ear. Surgery is scheduled for September 1 to clean out his ear and replace his tubes if we can get rid of a perpetual infection.
It's hard to watch your child struggle with any medical challenge. To know he is in pain and cannot hear well is difficult to manage. The amazing thing is that throughout the whole week of testing and waiting for results and preparing for emergency surgery, I was calm inside. I was able to manage my emotions, focus on the task at hand at work, and still be a strong leader for the family. Prayer works.
Considering the challenges other children with Down Syndrome face, my son has it pretty good. We have not had to experience heart surgery, or feeding tubes, or GI problems. I can imagine it has to be difficult for some dads to get up in the morning and face the pressures of being a husband, father, employee, boss, or what-have-you while your son or daughter struggles to eat, or breathe. More difficult than anything I've faced.
I guess I can thank Paul for his letter to the Philippians (4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Words to live by.
I welcome your thoughts and experiences. Give me a shout!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Great Business Book
Dads,
In business, whether we are in sales or not, we're always selling. Every day we sell ideas, strategies, direction, guidance to subordinates...it's all sales at the end of the day.
If any of you read Success Magazine, this month's issue had a story on Og Mandino, author of The Greatest Salesman in the World. I thought it was going to be a book about how to increase sales in the vain of most sales books these days. It was far from it. It was actually located in the Religion section of the Borders book store. I don't want to spoil the story for you, but it was a refreshing book, and a quick read...about an hour.
I highly recommend The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino.
In business, whether we are in sales or not, we're always selling. Every day we sell ideas, strategies, direction, guidance to subordinates...it's all sales at the end of the day.
If any of you read Success Magazine, this month's issue had a story on Og Mandino, author of The Greatest Salesman in the World. I thought it was going to be a book about how to increase sales in the vain of most sales books these days. It was far from it. It was actually located in the Religion section of the Borders book store. I don't want to spoil the story for you, but it was a refreshing book, and a quick read...about an hour.
I highly recommend The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Reece has mad skills on the court
So Reece just finished up his summer camp here in Gaithersburg. What an awesome camp! He had a personal "buddy" named Marlon who taught him a bunch of stuff this summer. Reece can now sink hoops on a regulation basket. He's a 7 year old with Down Syndrome mind you! Pretty amazing.
His buddy Marlon was the key to success. Marlon is a college student finishing his degree this summer. Marlon had no experience with Down Syndrome prior to this year's camp. Reece just bonded with him instantly. While he is away at school, we hope to keep in touch with him through this blog, facebook, and any other way possible. Marlon's family now!
Many thanks to the Gaithersburg Summer Camp program. But mainly to Marlon for his awesome work, patience, and willingness to spend his summer with my son. We'll never be able to thank you enough Marlon! Keep in touch!
Thanks Marlon!
His buddy Marlon was the key to success. Marlon is a college student finishing his degree this summer. Marlon had no experience with Down Syndrome prior to this year's camp. Reece just bonded with him instantly. While he is away at school, we hope to keep in touch with him through this blog, facebook, and any other way possible. Marlon's family now!
Many thanks to the Gaithersburg Summer Camp program. But mainly to Marlon for his awesome work, patience, and willingness to spend his summer with my son. We'll never be able to thank you enough Marlon! Keep in touch!
Thanks Marlon!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Mission Statement
I will succeed in doing the following:
1) Serving as a resource for Down Syndrome information, recommended products and services.
2) Providing an outlet for the dads out there. What it means to be the dad of a child with Down Syndrome. Focusing on career success, motivation, overcoming challenges, spiritual leadership and direction, self help, sports, music, you name it dads! We still have to be dads and husbands!!
3) Sharing the blessing that is Down Syndrome.
If you visit this page, you will learn, laugh, bond, pray, grow, and SUCCEED.
1) Serving as a resource for Down Syndrome information, recommended products and services.
2) Providing an outlet for the dads out there. What it means to be the dad of a child with Down Syndrome. Focusing on career success, motivation, overcoming challenges, spiritual leadership and direction, self help, sports, music, you name it dads! We still have to be dads and husbands!!
3) Sharing the blessing that is Down Syndrome.
If you visit this page, you will learn, laugh, bond, pray, grow, and SUCCEED.
My Story - At least the last 7 1/2 years
On April 26, 2002, my son Reece was born with Down Syndrome. My wife and I had no idea. We were crushed. We were terrified of the unknown future. I remember the hour-long drive home from Northside Hospital in Atlanta...the silence was deafening. We really had no direction. But I took action immediately.
I got online and learned as much as I could about Down Syndrome. We found the Gwinnett County Down Syndrome Support Group. I remember when we went to the first event 3 weeks after Reece was born. My wife didn't want to get out of the car. The grief on the parents' faces...looking into the faces of the possible future of our son, the future seemed so random. The diagnosis seemed to have no certainty. That fact presented both hope and fear. Thank God...we latched onto hope.
About a year or so later, the hospital called to tell us that they were starting a program to provide support to parents of new-born children with Down Syndrome. They wanted my wife and I to lead the charge. They wanted to name it "Reece's Rainbow". We were thrilled.
We would get called into the hospital when a new family brought a new child with DS into the world. With their permission, we would visit and consult with the parents, providing them information and hope. One family in particular did not want to keep their child. My wife helped find a family...Reece's Rainbow as about to go into a whole new direction (www.reecesrainbow.com).
Reece's Rainbow now helps children with DS around the world who are currently in orphanages and institutions find adoptive families here in the US. Since 2006, Reece's Rainbow has found families for more than 200 children in more than 35 countries around the world. There are so many loving families in this country giving these kids the chance to feel love and to have a life. Just go to the homecomings page if you are in the mood for a good cry.
To any families who are considering the adoption of a child with Down Syndrome, you have our prayers and support. We'd love to hear from you. We'd like to pray for you and help you if we can. Just stay tuned to this blog or visit www.reecesrainbow.com to stay in the loop.
I got online and learned as much as I could about Down Syndrome. We found the Gwinnett County Down Syndrome Support Group. I remember when we went to the first event 3 weeks after Reece was born. My wife didn't want to get out of the car. The grief on the parents' faces...looking into the faces of the possible future of our son, the future seemed so random. The diagnosis seemed to have no certainty. That fact presented both hope and fear. Thank God...we latched onto hope.
About a year or so later, the hospital called to tell us that they were starting a program to provide support to parents of new-born children with Down Syndrome. They wanted my wife and I to lead the charge. They wanted to name it "Reece's Rainbow". We were thrilled.
We would get called into the hospital when a new family brought a new child with DS into the world. With their permission, we would visit and consult with the parents, providing them information and hope. One family in particular did not want to keep their child. My wife helped find a family...Reece's Rainbow as about to go into a whole new direction (www.reecesrainbow.com).
Reece's Rainbow now helps children with DS around the world who are currently in orphanages and institutions find adoptive families here in the US. Since 2006, Reece's Rainbow has found families for more than 200 children in more than 35 countries around the world. There are so many loving families in this country giving these kids the chance to feel love and to have a life. Just go to the homecomings page if you are in the mood for a good cry.
To any families who are considering the adoption of a child with Down Syndrome, you have our prayers and support. We'd love to hear from you. We'd like to pray for you and help you if we can. Just stay tuned to this blog or visit www.reecesrainbow.com to stay in the loop.
Getting this thing off the ground
So I'm a new blogger...and I have a lot to learn.
Question to the masses...what one piece of advice would you give me to achieve a successful blog?
Question to the masses...what one piece of advice would you give me to achieve a successful blog?
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to my blog site. It's going to be more of a website really.
More soon as I figure this thing out!
More soon as I figure this thing out!
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