22
Our adoption story started before the birth of our son, Lucas. We already had another son, who was 7 years old at the time.
My husband and I wanted to have another child, but due to complications with his birth, I was advised to not get pregnant again.
So, we were offered an opportunity to adopt from a single mother who already had one child, and was unable to care for another baby.
This was an open adoption, so I was able to go with her to her appointments. We knew the baby was going to be a boy, and had already picked out his name, Lucas.
My husband and I were in the delivery room when Lucas was born on June 6, 2002. Our initial joy at the birth of our new son turned to concern as the doctor and nurses started whispering about what they knew as soon as he was delivered.
Our Lucas had Down syndrome.
It was so shocking, it hurt to breathe. Why was this happening? This is not what we had planned...
Tears streamed down my face and I tried to come to terms with the diagnosis.
The adoption lawyer was quick to say that we could change our minds; we did not have to proceed with the adoption.
For months we had planned for Lucas, and we already loved him, there was no way we were changing our minds!
God would get us through whatever the future had in store for our family.
Thankfully, Lucas did not have any heart issues, but he was born with cataracts in both eyes, which affects 3 % of children with Down syndrome.
He underwent cataract surgery, and had to wear contacts, bi-focals and the twice daily eye drops.
That was an adventure in itself!!
By:
Becky Jackett