Rachel's Story

 Images Captured by GingerSnaps Photography

Tiny Light Rachel can and will do anything she sets her mind to.  She is a happy, intelligent, and loving little girl who enjoys singing, swimming, reading, and swinging.  Rachel also likes playing practical jokes, especially hiding behind doors and jumping out at people yelling “Boo!”  Her siblings adore her, and she touches the hearts of everyone who takes the time to get to know her. 

Rachel’s parents were told that she might have Down Syndrome when she was just one month old.  They were anxious as they waited for the results of her tests.  When she was diagnosed, they were devastated.  However, they quickly came to the realization that they were given a gift.  Their faith helped them stay strong, and they made a point to focus on their beautiful baby girl, rather on her diagnosis.

Initially, Rachal’s parents worried about her future, but now know that “she will get as much out of life as she wants.”  They hope the same thing for Rachel as they do for their other children: to meet a nice boy, get married, and have a job.

As her parents say, “Having a child with Down Syndrome isn't always easy…but the joy that these amazing children bring, far outweighs the scary stuff.”

Story Written by Emily Harrison

Meet Maggie and Molly

Images Captured by GingerSnaps Photography

Molly loves to play dress up, play with her babies, make crafts, sing and dance; her sister Maggie is also a fabulous dancer and singer.

Molly has a general diagnosis of hypotonia with an additional diagnosis of Spastic Paraplegia, although it has yet to be confirmed.  A major frustration for her parents was the lack of further opinions on Molly’s condition, resulting in sleepless nights waiting for test results and not knowing whether she was living with a threatening illness.  It has been an ongoing process trying to determine where Molly’s symptoms are stemming from.

Maggie’s diagnosis is Autistic Disorder; their reaction to this was sadness and disbelief in the beginning.  Their parents have experienced every emotion from fear, then relief.  Sadness then gratitude. Anger then joy.  The hardest part of Maggie’s journey for her parents has been wondering what the future holds for her.  “You imagine your children’s lives and never in a million years do you expect to have to think about saving for them because they may not be able to support themselves.”

As their daughters overcome each individual challenge they are faced with, Molly and Maggie’s parents are amazed at how they are each thriving and what phenomenal little people they have become.  They love to hug each other, a tell tale sign to their mom that everything will be okay because no matter what, they will always have each other.  Each day, Molly and Maggie surprise their parents at what they can accomplish, giving them tremendous hope. 

Advice they have to give: Never, ever blame yourself or feel guilty; you have to learn how not to feel sorry for yourself or for your children.  They also feel that they have learned a lot about themselves, their marriage and their relationships with their extended family.  Instead of focusing on the negative, the girls’ family choose to celebrate the fun times which for them means trips to Disney World.   “Wish it, dream it, do it!”

Story by Kristi Hall-Busque