Light For My Path

Since we have told people that Dustin is expected to have DS, a common question we get is "how are you doing?" Of course, this covers not only the "day-to-day" friendly version, but also a query into how we are really doing, if you know what we mean.

This is a tough question because it's really hard to place ourselves in a position where we have a complete understanding of what it will be like. For starters, we won't know severity of Dustin's case until after his birth (expected around mid August). Of course we know this will be life changing - beyond just having another child - as well difficult, stressful (for all involved, including us, Dustin, Zach, friends, family), etc. Looking at it from this perspective, it is easy to understand how one can answer a simple query into how we are doing with either "kind of freaked out" or "all over the map".

Right now, however, we are at peace - and we are thankful for the peace we have and for all you who are praying for us, because for sure we can feel your prayers.

Of course, we're learning as much as we can about DS. This includes talking to as many people as possible who have experience with it, mostly parents of kids with DS - friends of friends, friends of family, and the local support group (TDSN). The stories and experiences we hear are truly amazing and very encouraging.

We're reading as well. Rob has read Uncommon Fathers, a collection of essays written by fathers of kids with disabilities. Lisa has read tons of material provided by TDSN, and is currently reading Babies with Down Syndrome. A recent read of Lisa's (and gift from our very supportive neighbor Sarah) has been Expecting Adam, "an autobiographical tale of an academically oriented Harvard couple who conceive a baby with Down Syndrome and decide to carry him to term".

While we must not delude ourselves that this saga won't be very difficult, we nonetheless remain encouraged. We continue to hear over and over again how Dustin will be "more like us than different". And once again, we trust in Him. Psalm 119:105 says,

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

We do have an additional prayer request. Please pray for Lisa to get sleep. She is retaining amniotic fluid and this is causing back pain and other discomfort, making it particularly hard to sleep for long stretches of time.

Thanks again for your prayers and talk to you soon.