Photo courtesy of Andrew Bayron (he and his son pictured above)

Read a “Raw and Real” excerpt from a father’s journey from discovery to Down syndrome. Thank you , Andrew Byron for your candid thoughts!

“From Discovering in the womb that your child will more than likely have Down Syndrome. To Doctors educating you about the multiple health and mental risks. To a down right Doctor advising terminating pregnancy. From the anguished decision to keep the child to the instant love at birth that overwhelms. To the month-long hospital stay on the mainland due to a heart issue common amongst Down Syndrome babies. To forgetting the horror and tears of the hospital stay because you love your baby so much. The rushes to the emergency room washed away when your baby becomes a child that has a perfectly loving soul. Fast-forward six years later and your baby has flourished and is a school rock-star where little classmates line up to love on him for his birthday. He shows no ego when getting busted doing the wrong thing and instantly apologizes for his actions. The child who is quick to hug and peck you on the cheek sending vibrations to your heels.  You realize how many souls your “special needs” child has touched, and you wonder am I the one with “Special Needs?””