Families Beginning

     In the fall of 1998, my younger sister Amy announced that she was pregnant with their first child due in July. I had also discovered that I was pregnant but did not want anyone to know till I was three months along. I had had two miscarriages before I had Matthew. When I did tell my family you can imagine the excitement of having their first Grandchildren! Amy and I were both due in July. Our due dates were only ten days apart. Amy and I were so excited to be expecting at the same time!

    When Amy was twenty weeks along she was having a routine ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that the baby had a severe heart defect. She discovered she was having a boy and they sent her on for more testing. After more testing she found out her little boy had Down Syndrome. Knowing that there was a problem with his heart they were looking at open heart surgery when he arrived. Amy and Dave’s world completely changed to medical testing and Genetic testing! They handled everything well because of their strong faith in God. Prayers and family support got them through the challenges they faced. 

     In the meantime after I shared this with my Doctor she sent me on for Genetic testing and a Level 2 Ultrasound. This is when we discovered we were also having a boy. They did not find anything wrong in the Ultrasound. So we thought everything was fine. Little did we know…

     So Amy and I had our babies in the summer of 1999. Luke was born six weeks early in June and Matthew was born in July. Amy brought Luke to the hospital when I had Matthew. We have pictures of each of us holding both babies. 

(Amy with Matthew and Luke)

As time went by we suspected that Matthew had challenges. Amy is the one that spoke honestly to me about Matthew not speaking much for his age. He only had a couple of words at age two. She encouraged me to pursue a speech evaluation and stayed on me until I got him on the waiting list.

     Now I have to tell you that Luke and Matthew are best buddies! They have grown up together and their friendship is precious. Some pictures of them through the years are posted in the Photos and Images section of the Blog. My sister and I have a connection that we will always share. We support each through the ups and downs of the Disability world. We understand the heartbreak, joys and frustrations we are going through. It has been a blessing to be there for each other. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

 (Matthew and Luke at Easter)

(Matthew and Luke enjoying a snack)