The Worth of a Child

A dear friend past away today. She was only 7 months old, and I have never met her nor her parents. But for the last several months I have joined with countless others who have been touched by Lillian in prayer and fasting for her and her family. Little Lillian had Down syndrome and her family lives in my same county. She went in for heart surgery three months ago to have a valve repaired (this is very common for babies with Ds). She happened to fall into about the two percent of babies that have post surgery complications. One thing lead to another until finally the doctors knew there was nothing more they could do to keep her sweet spirit here on earth. Her death has really touched me. My heart goes out to her wonderful parents that have been so strong through the whole journey.

Next week it will be one year since my husband and I found out that our baby would be born with a serious blockage in her intestines that would prevent her from being able to eat unless they could successfully repair it in a surgery right after her birth. We also found out that our baby had Down syndrome. I would be lying if I didn't admit what a challenge the first fews days were after receiving the news. We battled with coming to terms with the reality of having a disabled child, and struggled over the worth of our unborn child. Was a life of possible health problems and mental retardation worth very much? The answer is YES! Life in all it's forms has immeasurable worth. If only we could all see it! Life, no matter how long or short, or easy or difficult, should be celebrated! I praise the Lord for the blessing of having a child with Down syndrome that has taught me this lesson, and for the short, yet powerful life of little Lillian who has reinforced it.