March 31, 2010 6:22 PM
Jonny's Birthday! Celebrating 18 years of Down syndrome in our family
Eighteen years ago today something happened that changed my life forever. My son Jonny was born. Within five minutes, I knew he had Down syndrome. He was our eighth child, and I guess God had prepared my heart for this Great Adventure. That's the only way I can explain the feeling of basking in God's love and goodness - I knew this would be the opportunity of a lifetime.
And it has been!
Tripp sent this to everyone in our family on Jonny's 16th birthday:
Dear Family,Today is a "day of days" in our family...Every one of you is special in God's Eyes and in my heart, but I believe we were all transformed in one way or another by Our God when he sent us Jonathan. I praise Our Heavenly Father for His goodness and thank my wife for being Jonny's Mother and Advocate.
Love to you all!
RoboPop [RoboPop because of his knee replacement :)]
Along with a bunch of pictures - which I can share with you too:
Since Jonny was a baby, this has been my song for him:
And you can tell everybody
This is your song
It might be quite simple
But now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world.
~~~~~~~
See also: About that extra chromosome
Posted in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family | Permalink
Comments
What a sweet tribute to Jonny and a great witness to the beauty that is found in that extra chromosome. You've been on this journey 16 years longer than I and most of my peers, so I appreciate your perspective and advocacy to those whom society deems less worthy. Thank you for doing what you're doing!
Posted by: Monica | March 31, 2010 7:00 PM
Marvelous tribute, just fills the heart to overflowing. Blessings to Jonny on his 18th birthday, and to the Mom that loves him so very, very much.
Posted by: tom wannamaker | March 31, 2010 7:32 PM
Happy birthday, Jonny!! My how you've changed the world. We love you! God bless you.
Posted by: Greta | March 31, 2010 11:20 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONNY...I remember when you were born, now you are a HANDSOME YOUNG MAN of "18" What womderful pictures. My goodness where has the time gone...Tripp and Barbara you have done a wonderful job with Jonny. I realize This all came about by the Hand of God upon you guiding you and leading you as you made choices and descisions to help Jonny become all he can be. I also realize it's not over and you have much ahrad of you with Jonny and his brothers. It would be a good thing if you wrote a book about Jonny and his brothers and what it takes to raise a special child. You are both a wonderful example of what Christian Parents should be like....It's not easy and the world we live in now is very scary and ONLY JESUS cna give the power to be as He wants us to be. God Bless you Tripp and Barbara and Blessing for a wonderful RESURRECTION DAY..God Bless all your family.....ps How is Hatti?...In Jesus love Becky Wold
Posted by: Rebecca Wold | March 31, 2010 11:43 PM
Happy belated birthday, Jonny!!!! 18 is such a special birthday and I am sure your family celebrated in style. :)
Posted by: Erin | April 1, 2010 8:09 AM
Happy Birthday, Jonny! God bless you.
Posted by: Elissa | April 1, 2010 8:31 AM
Happy Birthday Jonny!
Posted by: a Mac and a Mug O' Joe | April 1, 2010 9:36 AM
Jonny, thank you for being my inspiration as I raise Christina. You and Mom are a great team.
May God bless you with many more happy years.
Happy Easter.
Posted by: Leticia Velasquez | April 1, 2010 10:29 AM
Happy Birthday Jonny!! You are such a blessing to your family.
Posted by: Addie | April 1, 2010 11:39 AM
What a joyful soul! Happy (belated) birthday Jonny, God bless you.
Posted by: Anne | April 1, 2010 12:08 PM
Jonny you are awesome! Happy belated birthday!
Posted by: Monica | April 1, 2010 2:14 PM
I played the song while scrolling through the pictures....It brought me to tears....I DO remember when you were born Jonny. I was ready to burst with Skyler. She will be 18 tomorrow.....Awhhhh, where does the time go? Much love to you sweet Jonny!
Posted by: Kim O. | April 2, 2010 8:03 PM
