Frequently well-meaning folk comment about the "loving nature" of those with Down syndrome. Three years ago, Jill began writing short reflections celebrating Isaac during Down Syndrome Awareness Month (October) but not shying away from the realities faced by a family dealing with special needs. She shared these details on social media, hoping to help others understand life with Isaac and to offer a glimpse of the real person Isaac is. Jill's goal was to share the struggles and the unexpected victories, the frustrations and the challenges a family must navigate, and to demonstrate that "loving" is sometimes not the term that springs to mind when dealing with Isaac.

Jill has written about Down syndrome, but more importantly, she has written about one family's experience of having a child who is different. When the diagnosis of Down syndrome was made, Jill recalled searching the internet to find photos of people with Down syndrome at different ages for some reassurance that things would be alright with this baby she was carrying. She felt photos of Isaac accompanying her daily writing would be helpful to others who might be facing an unexpected diagnosis. She has written honest descriptions of the good as well as the not-so-good days of having a child who is different. Her reflections have been compiled in hopes of helping other families who are traveling down a path that is different.

--Jill Roegge

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