Most of us can relate to being on the receiving end of other people’s opinions and questions when it comes to having children.
Today, society has this silent pressure that you should have a good job, meet a partner, get married, and have children. Therefore, spouses who decide not to have kids must often have to justify their decision to others. People who don’t understand such a decision can be pretty clumsy and ask personal questions that are not their business whatsoever.
These questions can often be very personal and unpleasant and can make the recipient feel uncomfortable especially when asked why they’ve chosen not to be a parent.
Unfortunately, not having children can be considered the ultimate form of egoism – but when couples who are perceived as “different” want to have children together, then the view of what is egoism changes quickly…
Over 20 years ago, Patti White from California got some news that both made her over the moon and concerned. Her daughter Lisa announced that she was pregnant.
Lisa has Down syndrome, a congenital and chromosomal disorder that manifests itself in varying degrees of physical and mental impairments. But what many people tend to forget is that a lot of people with Down syndrome can take care of themselves, have jobs, and lead independent lives.
However, the likelihood that two people with Down syndrome can have a child is lower than that of other couples because it’s rare for a man with Down syndrome to father a child.
When Patti White heard that a grandchild was on its way, she was very surprised – but she stood completely behind her daughter Lisa and her decision to keep the child.
At 29, Lisa lived independently and worked at Goodwill. She had a loving relationship with a man with Down syndrome. Despite beliefs that he was sterile, Lisa became pregnant, shocking many. Critics doubted her ability to parent, but her family supported her. Her son, Nic, now 24, thrives, proving love conquers all.
Lisa and her son, Nic, both with Down syndrome, have defied the odds. As Lisa turns 50 and Nic 20, their journey proves the power of love and resilience. Patti, Lisa’s mother, proudly shares their story, inspiring others and showing the world the immense value of people with Down syndrome.
