This afternoon, Dennis and I visited the Fetal Maternal Medicine clinic where we met with the genetic counselor and then later with a resident and a doctor to have the level II sonogram. Our genetic counseling experience wasn't as bad as I had thought it might be. She explained our quad screen results and the reason for the initial concern and then took our family history. After looking at all of the information, she assured us that she wasn't worried because our chances were 1 in 103 of having a baby with Down syndrome.
I know this is all a part of their medical responsibility but two things bothered me: (1) Numbers and statistics cannot fully comprehend or explain a God that created the universe. (2) What if we were the 1%? Where was the encouragement for us? After an explanation of how a baby's genes develop Trisomy 21, we were shown a sheet in a notebook with a collage of faces of children with Down syndrome. Yet, there was nothing positive said about these children as to what they can do and the unique role they play in their families and society.
I know, I know! We had high hopes for what our $433.06 would get us! What it did get us was another glimpse of little Vivien. The resident, who had also attended to us whenever I was hospitalized during my pregnancy with Amity, gave us lots of great shots of Vivi. Both he and the doctor found no markers indicating Down syndrome. They also determined that Vivi seems to be growing more or less on schedule and is already weighing about 12 ounces, which is exactly the amount of weight that I have gained thus far! Ha! Just kidding!
I know this is all a part of their medical responsibility but two things bothered me: (1) Numbers and statistics cannot fully comprehend or explain a God that created the universe. (2) What if we were the 1%? Where was the encouragement for us? After an explanation of how a baby's genes develop Trisomy 21, we were shown a sheet in a notebook with a collage of faces of children with Down syndrome. Yet, there was nothing positive said about these children as to what they can do and the unique role they play in their families and society.
I know, I know! We had high hopes for what our $433.06 would get us! What it did get us was another glimpse of little Vivien. The resident, who had also attended to us whenever I was hospitalized during my pregnancy with Amity, gave us lots of great shots of Vivi. Both he and the doctor found no markers indicating Down syndrome. They also determined that Vivi seems to be growing more or less on schedule and is already weighing about 12 ounces, which is exactly the amount of weight that I have gained thus far! Ha! Just kidding!
We are so thankful for God's goodness to us while at the same time trying to remember that He would be good even if the results had been otherwise. Thank you so much for your prayers!
We are thankful for the good news of no indicators and good growth! We pray for you all nightly and are so glad we have been blessed to be apart of the journey!
ReplyDeleteI just sent you an email but then had to check out your blog as well. I couldn't agree with you more. Our genetic counseling experience was very much the same. All medical and no positive. I can't tell you how many times they asked us if we "wanted to terminate" Never were we told how enriched our lives would be with little Ella. Somehow this must be changed!!! Again, I am glad that everything looked good with baby Vivien.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that she is healthy and well loved. Looking forward to meeting her!
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray for y'all. Amity, thankfully, sure favors her Mom!! (sorry Dennis, but I know you agree!!) It is such a comfort to know that our Loving Father knows the end from the beginning and that He has promised His presence and grace is sufficient. Y'all are giving a wonderful testimony of His peace that passes understanding. We love y'all, Del and Jean
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that in a society that saves animals and whales and endangered animals everywhere (which by the way I think is a good thing!), there is all too often little to no value seen in the lives of kiddos with special needs. I'm not saying it's bad or wrong to value and protect animal life...but how much more should we be doing that for special needs kiddos and adults??? Certainly parenting sweet ones with special needs is a different journey and a 'new' normal, but those lives are no less valid and loved by our Great King than any other society calls 'normal' as you have so wonderfully shown in your writings.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to Miss Vivi Grover gracing this world regardless of whether there is a label by medical professionals or not.
Thanks for your heart.
Praise be to God for the recent good news and I apologize for not checking my email more frequently since joining the facebook craze.
ReplyDeleteI will not share our experience in a similar situation because I strongly believe it is important for you to seek God's direction and pray for His wisdom in making all decisions. I applaud the approach you are taking and will join the legions of prayer warriors at the feet of The Master. We also look forward to welcoming sweet little Vivien to our strange, wonderful, and often challenging world!
May our Father in Heaven hold each of you close to His breast, delivering comfort, reassurance, wisdom and the ability to discern His divine will. May He shower you with joy in each and every moment you have with each other and with precious Amity and Vivien. Amen