I chose this post on this special Feast day because Laura obviously learned from her mother and other special women in her life about how important life is no matter what the medical situation. As Mary and Elizabeth shared their story and special circumstances with each other, we as women need to do the same. Encourage each other always in the spirit of Mary and Elizabeth.
In today's world most of the babies who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome don't get much further than the diagnosis. Winnie was born into a family where this baby is considered a great blessing from God. When her grandmother Gerri, first told me of the impending arrival I shook with joy, I cried knowing that this was a special person entrusted to a very special family. I have known Laura since she was a baby, then one of only two of the now eleven Goguen children.
In today's world most of the babies who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome don't get much further than the diagnosis. Winnie was born into a family where this baby is considered a great blessing from God. When her grandmother Gerri, first told me of the impending arrival I shook with joy, I cried knowing that this was a special person entrusted to a very special family. I have known Laura since she was a baby, then one of only two of the now eleven Goguen children.
Laura has exceptional parents, who consider every birth a soul to give back to God. They were given two very special sons as well. The cystic fibrosis gene is somewhere in the family. Babies three and four have cystic fibrosis. As a young couple Ron and Gerrie quickly learned to fully rely on God, with amazing team work to deal with the health issues and growing family. First and foremost daily mass. This family gets into a van and drives almost an hour each way for mass. Their story is very special, but today we celebrate the Motherhood of their oldest daughter Laura.
We thank Jesus for this special young family.
Below a letter from Laura
"It most likely has down syndrome. I'm sorry. You have two options from here, to continue with the pregnancy or terminate it."For about 17 weeks Winnie and I had been doing everything together. Errands, work, visiting family and friends, going to church, praying. I sang to her every day. She danced around in my warm belly. We were so happy. I had prayed and waited for her for so long and she was finally here. And now as I lay in the dark ultrasound room, my husband and I joyfully watching her twist and turn on the monitor, I was being asked if I still wanted her. She may have a learning disability, they said. She may be sick. She may need surgery. And for that, did I want her to be mutilated and thrown away? Was I on the scene of a horror film? I shook my head and muttered "No." Utterly confused as to why this was an appropriate question to be asked. Three separate times we were asked the same thing. But I didn't understand... Is not the best place for a sick child in the loving embrace of their parents? And don't parents want nothing more than to comfort their children, and make them happy? Didn't she deserve a chance at a long and beautiful life just like any other baby?
While I write this, my sweet Winnifred is sleeping on my shoulder. I am so tired. My body is tired. My mind is tired. I wonder if there will ever be a time when I am no longer tired. But my soul, my soul is so alive. More alive than ever before. It's pumping my blood, moving my muscles, keeping me going. It's full of joy, love, the grace of Our Lady, from one Mother to another. My life is just beginning and it already feels so perfectly complete. All because of her. My dear daughter that God so graciously blessed me with.
If only the other parents knew. If only the doctors knew. If only the ultrasound technician knew...
