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October 4, 2002 Dear Rebecca, I just finished reading a book called "Expecting Adam" about a family whose son was born a Downs baby. The family lived near us when the boy Adam was born, but they moved to Arizona when he was older. It was good for your mom and I to read this; often when another person is different, we (not just your mom and I, but people in general) are afraid for some reason. The mom who wrote this book seemed to communicate the message clearly "Do not be afraid". Of course. Jesus says this one thing more than anything else: Do not be afraid. You are not afraid now, little one. We are a bit anxious though; about your health, about your coming to term, about any other problems you may face. But you know what: we have many of those same anxieties for your brother and sister. They're all "normal" and yet they are all very different. Some friends of ours from New York, the Manzas, have two sons, the older one is autistic. This means he can have trouble in socializing, but he is a fine young man, and he was a pleasure to meet last year and this past August when I met him. I know that his parents have had to work extra hard to help him grow, but parents always have to do that: it's part of the whole parent thing. I hope you will grow quietly without our having to disturb you for a few more weeks safe in your mom's womb. It's the safest place for you and the coziest. But once you are born you will be surrounded by people caring for you and loving you. We just hope we will be able to love as well as you deserve. But I hope the same for your mom and brother and sisters too. All the time. I don't think I do love well enough, but I try to do better. That's part of what being in a family is: a school of love. Love, Dad |
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