The vision we hold of our future children often revolves around joy, health, and the potential for greatness. No parent anticipates the news that their child has special needs. Discovering that my daughter was on the autism spectrum was a profound shock. I had always wondered about her future. Now, 23 years later, I find myself blessed with three autistic children.
My sentiments mirror those of Dan and Julie. I am grateful for the unique individuals my children are, for how they perceive the world, and for the enriching impact they have on my life. The fear of the unknown looms large when raising children with special needs. Dan and Julie initially felt unprepared to care for twin boys with Down Syndrome. However, instead of terminating the pregnancies, they chose to adopt their sons.
“We were terrified, scared, and worried, and we didn’t know if we could handle the responsibility,” Julie admitted. They had even found a family willing to adopt their boys. But Julie’s heart was pulled in a different direction, and her husband shared the same sentiment. It was a single moment that forever changed their hearts and lives.
Julie and Dan reached out to a Down Syndrome organization, which showed them the potential of their twins. The apprehension they once felt about the unknowns dissipated as love filled their hearts with excitement for their twins. Milo and Charlie, now seven-year-old twins, have profoundly impacted their parents’ lives in countless wonderful ways.
Julie’s apprehension about Down Syndrome was not only conquered by love but also transformed into a platform for sharing her experiences and life with the world. Through her Facebook page, ‘Milo and Charlie: Fearfully And Wonderfully Made,’ Julie extends an invitation to witness firsthand some of God’s most beautiful creations born from the unexpected. It serves as a poignant reminder that each and every one of God’s children is fearfully and wonderfully formed.