Early in my pregnancy, I took a test that is given to all pregnant mothers and was shocked when the Dr. called me at work to tell me that the tests had shown that there was a strong possibility that our baby would be born with Down Syndrome. I immediately called Robert to tell him and we spent the next week, worrying and discussing why this would happen to us.
We had to go in for more in-depth testing. They wanted me to have an amniocenteses done which would show for sure if the baby had any chromosomal abnormalities. Before we could decide, they informed us that there was also a chance that a miscarriage could result from the amniocenteses. While we decided, we were sent across the hall to have an ultrasound done that could possibly determine without the amnio. Unfortunately, the ultrasound didn't give any definite results because all the baby's measurements were on the cusp of what was deemed "normal" and "abnormal." We still hadn't decided on whether to go through with the amnio and were sent to a room so we could have some time to discuss it with each other and decide.
I still remember that day like it was yesterday. We were so scared and unsure of what to do. We didn't want to do anything to harm our baby but at the same time felt we needed to know if our baby was fine or not. We called a couple of people to ask their advice. No one could tell us what we should do. I remember sitting in this room and walking back and forth wondering and praying. All of a sudden we asked each other what we would do if we did the amnio and the doctor's said the baby had an abnormality. Would we abort? The answer was a definite NO. At once, we had our answer. There was no reason to do the test because it wouldn't make any difference one way or another anyway.
We informed the doctors of our decision to not have the amnio done, left the clinic and went to lunch at La Casa Garcia, vowing to continue to treat this pregnancy the same as the others....with excitement and anticipation.
Finally, the day arrived and on April 13th, 1998 the wait was over. At 12:00 noon, I gave birth to our daughter Aniecia. Unbeknownst to us, there was a special team of doctors on hand to handle all the necessary testing should she indeed have Down's Syndrome. Almost immediately after her birth, the doctor let us know that she did have Down Syndrome and would need testing to see if there were any defects to her heart as is common for most babies with Down's. After a couple hours, the results were in. She did not have a hole in her heart and would not need any surgeries. We were visited by many professionals who wanted to "discuss" with us the challenges we would face and give us programs and organizations that we should participate in for assistance. Once alone, we decided that we didn't need to seek assistance from anyone. We were determined to treat her like any other baby.
There were many challenges that we faced and the only assistance we sought was physical therapy so that she could strengthen her legs and walk. There were some behavior issues that although not uncommon to almost all children, were a little more extreme with her. We disciplined her the same way we did the others. She was given boundaries and there were consequences. It was our hope that we would never treat her with less discipline just because she had a disability. We tried to do things as normal as possible but there have been many events we had to pass on because of her inability to participate in or her discomfort in certain situations. We never wanted to leave her behind and make her feel that other things were more important than her.
Now, 15 years later, I thank God he chose us to be her family. She is healthy, strong, funny and beautiful. She loves unconditionally without judgement and reminds me how we all should be. Everyone who meets her loves her spunk and attitude and she has taught me to just relax and not worry about what other people think.
We are so blessed to call you our daughter and I am so proud of the young lady you are becoming. I love you so, very much.
HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY ANIECIA!
