56 (don't mean much)

That's Ethan's number. And not his sleep number. It's the number I knew was out there, but didn't really want to know. In his yearly school review it was mentioned in his report, which the administrators were kind enough to gloss over. That number would be his IQ, give or take a few points. He had to be tested for school related reasons.

I think I was ready to hear it though because it seems so irrelevant now. 56....and? So what. He also can't speak well and has some, uh, unusual habits (don't we all).

When he was just a young pup, my mind whirled through a million facts and statistics that left me somewhat fearful about the future. Average potty training age- 5, IQ-50, ear infections, heart problems, feeding problems....the list was quite endless...and overwhelming. Yes, he  wore diapers for 5 years (which isn't so bad), apparently his IQ is lower than normal, no ear infections, though one of his ears isn't in the normal range, no heart problems, feeding problems fixed. Life with Ethan is normal, but different.

In case you haven't met him or seen him before, here's his glamor shot from last year. In the strangest of twists, occasionally a school photo does turn out particularly well and actually captures something special. This is the face of the one who usually wakes me up in the morning (our little rooster).

I asked my mother why there weren't any kids with down syndrome around when I was a kid. Abortion was still illegal and there was no prenatal testing. She said she didn't know. Families were much quieter about such things back then. They were probably sent off to an institution because they were told it was in the best interest of the family and the child. Makes my heart sink.

And just for historical facts I will throw in that back at the turn of the 20th century 90% of the children born with down syndrome didn't make it to age 6. Why? Probably because of the heart, digestion and immunity troubles I briefly mentioned before. So much can be done for these kids to help them out now through medical technology, improved nutrition and various therapies.

Now 90% of down syndrome pregnancies detected in the womb are terminated. I don't know what to say. It breaks my heart break and eugenics make my skin crawl. I'm just barely "pro-choice". Meaning that I don't think abortion should be illegal, and I think women should have a choice. That being said, I obviously would pray for one choice over another in most circumstances.

You know, I feel bad even throwing in this sort of talk with him. Ethan is Ethan. Down syndrome is a fact, but it doesn't define who God created him to be.

Anyhow, enough about that. Ethan, who is so full of personality that he has about 50 nicknames, is going to be 6 in a few days. Yippee! He adores parties. Watch out world when our little party animal gets older.

Comments

[Sue]

Oh, he is so gorgeous. I love that dimple.

[Heidi Renee]

Thank you for sharing him with us! What a cutie!

[Arthur]

Ethan is a cutie!

One of my friends here in the Great White(?)North has a boy who is "handicapped" both mentally and physically. He must be in his late teens, cannot speak a word, and is confined to a wheel chair. EVERYTHING must be done for him.

I often wondered what would have happened if his parents had taken the route of institutionalizing him, or if they had considered that, (or abortion,) as an option. Turns out their belief in God, and love for their son precluded both alternatives. It is wonderful to see his father taking a spin around town on their special bike, - actually a trike, with two wheels in front and one in back, which has been fitted with a wheel-chair-like seat on the front end - with the lad. Huge smile on the boy's face, - he loves going for rides on that bike, and the faster they go the bigger the grin!

I am always impressed that the parents decided to keep him at home and have accepted the responsibility, as well as being willing to make the effort to do what it takes, to make the boy's life as meaningful as possible. My hat off to them and to you!