In 2007 Beth and Scott got married. Beth is a special education teacher and so during their wedding instead of party favors for their guests, they donated the money they would have spent on that to International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association instead in honor of the children she teaches. Beth got to know about IMDSA because she is friends with our Research Officer, Kristen Lipscomb Sund. Beth and Scott both have huge hearts and know that God has a special purpose for their lives.
Like all young couples, Beth and Scott wanted to begin their family. However, their plans were postponed when they had two miscarriages-the last one in August.
In December, the day after Beth’s grandmother passed away, she found out she was pregnant again. Of course, they were worried that they may loose this baby too. They didn’t want to tell anyone about the pregancy until they were sure. So, they told their close friends and family and held their breath till they received the first ultrasound at 8 weeks and could see that the baby’s heart was beating.
At 12 weeks, they had another ultrasound and saw some markers associated with Down syndrome. Like all parents, they were concerned. But, still felt relief as they watched their baby’s heart beat and move around.
Time has progressed and they have done more ultrasounds and testing and they discovered that they are having a boy! They have named him Elijah. Elijah is doing well and next week they will have another ultrasound to see how he is progressing. The tests has confirmed that he does have Down syndrome.
As you know, IMDSA is in the midst of Genes Day right now. Our Research Officer, Kristen Lipscomb Sund had made her own Genes Day page to raise money for the great research program that she created for IMDSA. When Eli was diagnosed with Down syndrome, Kristen dedicated her page to him calling it Research for Elijah. You can view that page and donate for Elijah by clicking here.
It is funny how things happen sometimes. I am a Christian and in my belief’s, God specially plans everything for a purpose. Beth is a special education teacher. She has had the opportunity to get to know children with Down syndrome through her career. She has learned to understand that having Down syndrome isn’t the end of the world, just something a little different. During her wedding to the love of her life, she remembered all of the children she taught by donating to a very special cause. She would not have known about IMDSA if she was not friends with Kristen who is in her final year now to be a Genetic Counselor.
Beth has begun a blog about her journey with Eli. You can follow Eli’s beginning here.
Beth says, “I have always been taught that a child is a child before a disability. Eli is Eli and not simply Down syndrome. He will be loved just as any other child would be and will become an integral part of our family. He will inspire others and teach us every day. Although the road ahead is unknown and scary, Scott and I will get through it and come out on top, especially knowing that we will have a special gift in Eli. We plan of updating this blog regularly to keep our family and friends updated. We have not yet told everyone we wanted about Eli and the challenges that face us. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers since we are still facing an uncertain next few months!”
Beth, You and Scott and Eli are in my prayers! I know that you are going to be great parents and Elijah is going to be a great son!
The very first piece of inspiration that I read when Tim was diagnosed with mosaic Down syndrome was not Welcome to Holland, but it still gave me inspiration and helped me to know that God had everything specially planned out and 22 years later… I am so glad that I was chosen as Tim’s mom!
(please remember that this was written long ago so it may not be considered completely politically correct)
A Story contributed by Erma Bombeck
This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angel to make notes in a giant ledger.
“Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint, Matthew.”
“Smith, Marge, daughter, patron saint, Cecillia.”
“Rutledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint…give her Gerard. He’s used to profanity.”
Finally he passes a name to the angel and smiles, “Give her a handicapped child”. The angel is curious. “Why this one, God? She’s so happy.” “Exactly,” says God. “Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel.”
“But has she patience?” asks the angel.”
“I don’t want her to have to much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off she’ll handle it.” “I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so necessary in a mother. The child I am going to give her has his own world. She has to make it live in her world, and that’s not going to be easy.”
“But Lord, I don’t think she even believes in you,” God smiles. “No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness.”
The angel gasps, “Selfishness? Is that a virtue?”
God nods, “If she can’t separate herself from the child occasionally, she’ll never survive. Yes, here is a woman who will never take for granted a ’spoken word.’ She will never consider a ’step’ ordinary. When her child says ‘Momma’ for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! I will permit her to see clearly the things I see…cruelty, ignorance, prejudice…and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day, because she is doing my work as surely as if she were here by my side.”
“And what about her patron saint?” asks the angel, pen poised in mid air.”
God smiles, “A mirror will suffice.”
