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Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn’t Be More Proud
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Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn’t Be More Proud

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Parents with Down Syndrome are just as loving as any other parents. That’s the lesson we can all learn after hearing a Syrian student’s tale about his father.

Sader Issa, who studies dentistry in Syria, shared the story of how he was raised by his dad Jad who has Down Syndrome. According to Jad’s son, his dad showered him with love and did the best that he could to make his childhood the same as any kid’s. Sader explained how his father is selfless and a real pillar of the community. Scroll down for Bored Panda’s interviews with Sader himself, as well as with the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), which is aware of Sader and his father’s story.

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In a video interview, Sader Issa told the Syrian Society for Social Development all about being raised by his dad who has Down Syndrome

Sader isn’t ashamed of his father; in fact, he’s very proud of him because he helped turn him into the person with the right values that he is today. Nobody is saying that living with Down Syndrome is easy, however, Sader and his father Jad managed to create a loving relationship that some people would be envious of.

Sader’s dad is named Jad and he has Down Syndrome…

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: SSSD

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

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Image credits: SSSD

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: Sader Issa

Father and son often go together to the former’s workplace at the mill near their home. “I’m proud of my father. Throughout my life he has been the greatest support for me when I needed it,” Sader said about his father who is viewed favorably in his community because people know that he expresses his love for others without wanting or expecting anything in return.

Sader talked to Bored Panda about his father and family after drawing attention to the fact that he is partly bound by a contract that he signed with a production company called The Rascals, limiting what he can talk about. 

“We wish all people were able to accept that being different is not something to be ashamed of. People with Down Syndrome are different but they have feelings, aspirations, a mind of their own, and they are capable of living a normal life when there is social acceptance and a society that is supportive,” Sader mused.

“Let us give them a chance and see what great capabilities they have,” he said about people with Down Syndrome. “According to NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society), only three cases have been recognized of fathers with DS and we are not one of these three cases. We wish that Bored Panda can help with getting this story formally recognized by international research organizations.”

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…however, the relationship between the father and son is warm and loving, like you’d expect in any family

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: Sader Issa

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: saderissa

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: SSSD

One of the things that really hit us right in the feels is that Jad often tells people that he’s proud of Sader by saying “my son is a doctor.” 

“It’s possible to see when his eyes are filled with joy and satisfaction, as if to express: yes, I have Down syndrome, but I raised this man and did everything in my power to make him become a doctor and help others,” Sader explained.

Jad is a pillar of his community and respected by his friends and family alike

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Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: saderissa

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

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Image credits: saderissa

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: saderissa

It’s not just parents with Down Syndrome who love their children unconditionally. Researchers have studied parents who have children with Down Syndrome and the conclusions are heartwarming. According to one study down in 2012, 99 percent of the 2,044 respondents that participated in the study said that they love their children.

97 percent said that they were proud of them and 79 percent thought that their outlook on life was more positive because they have them in their lives. Only 5 percent of parents were embarrassed by their offspring and 4 percent regretted having them. This means that the vast majority of parents with Down Syndrome are happy to be raising their kids just the way they are.

Sader’s father loves others without reservation, without expecting anything in return. He is incredibly proud that his son is studying dentistry

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: saderissa

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Image credits: saderissa

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

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Image credits: saderissa

The NDSC spoke to Bored Panda about how Sader Issa’s story is quite unusual in the regard that “it is actually quite rare for men with Down Syndrome to have children.” According to the National Down Syndrome Congress, this often has to do not with males being sterile, but with their “lack of knowledge” about reproduction.

“Women with Down Syndrome are able to get pregnant, but it does not happen often.”

The NDSC went into detail about Down Syndrome and those it affects: “People with Down Syndrome are more alike their typical peers than they are different. They take longer to reach milestones when they are young, but they reach them! They have feelings and emotions and they want to be treated with respect.”

“People with DS are living great lives!” the NDSC explained, with regard to how things have changed over the years. “The life expectancy for people with DS has increased from age 25 as recently as the 1980s to being 60 now. People gain meaningful employment and live independently, with many attending college and some getting married.”

Dear Pandas, what is your experience with people who have Down Syndrome? What do you think of the beautiful relationship between Sader and his dad Jad? Share your thoughts and stories with everyone else in the comments?

People thought that the father-son relationship was beautiful

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

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Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

Guy Whose Father Has Down Syndrome Shares What It Was Like Being Raised By Him, Says He Couldn't Be More Proud

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nora-krahl avatar
Lady Beluga
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish the mother had been given the chance to say something as well - except for "I am 3 years older than him". The son was not raised by his Dad but his parents, and I am sure the mother played a central part in the "family management" as well.

giustizia avatar
Jus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly. I have a feeling she is the most hard working person in this situation. I used to take care of many different people with Down Syndrome and even though they were sweet, they were somehow hard to live with, too. I could see some had sexual needs, had their crushes etc. But no matter how slight the Syndrom was, I wouldn't say it was a good idea to start a family. I'm glad this family is a happy one. I'd really like to know why the mother married the father.

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martatavares22 avatar
Martata
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay for everyone speculating and wondering about the mother: "My mother and father were introduced through family and I think it was pretty much love at first site! He is treated with love and respect by my mother’s family and by all the people who know him." Here's the actual full story: https://babybrainmemoirs.com/living-with-a-father-who-has-downs-syndrome/

jakub_koziorek avatar
meeepy53 avatar
David Fox
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother has Down Syndrome, unfortunately she couldn't cope so I spent the best part of my childhood in care

cverrilli avatar
ellenarndt avatar
Ellen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes please don't take offense I'm curious why someone who doesn't have Down syndrome would marry someone who has it, it is a true disability (obviously they persevere and can achieve just about anything) and of course love is love but I'm curious how this came to be as well. Seems very unlikely that she'd meet him under organic circumstances

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pusheenbuttercup avatar
pusheen buttercup
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm REALLY happy to see this- often when we see someone with a "mental disability", people portray them as someone you should feel sorry for or someone who's not a whole person, not capable of everything someone else is... such as, sexuallity, and being a role model, normal human things. I'm very grateful to whomever decided to post this. We aren't always there to just be taken care of... sometimes, we take care of others too, and so much more.

littlesaresare avatar
littlesaresare
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That seems to be the mentality in this comment section. All the upvoted comments are just "Why would anyone marry someone with Down's Syndrome? She must have been forced into it!" and "Clearly the mother did everything and the father did nothing and is just taking credit!" So much instant disdain to what should be a nice story. :(

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shannonodland avatar
Dippin Dot
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My ex's niece has DS, but additionally she is autistic and is non-verbal; but that doesn't mean she's any less of a person. She is very happy, eats a side of chicken nuggets with her pepper (the amount of pepper she uses is comical), and her best friend is an evil teddy bear (Lotso from Toy Story 3). The toughest part about her disabilities for our family watching my son achieve milestones ahead of her even though he was a year younger... otherwise she's just another kid with her own unique set of needs - just like every other kid out there, special needs or not.

talanetaylor avatar
Tee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can tell by the pictures he is so proud of his son.

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful story and awesome family.

brooke-pomsan avatar
Brooke
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(Re:99 percent love their children)What kind of garbage human doesn't love their own child?

veni_vidi_vicky avatar
Vicky Zar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh there are enough of those. Think of that woman who poured water on her sleeping Baby "to teach it a lesson" (because it always woke her at night). I'm not sure I would call this love. And please don't start about the so called tough love bulls***

Load More Replies...
stacy avatar
Fixin'Ta
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a family in our church for many years whose daughter had Down's. They -- and we -- all treated her just like one of the other kids, and when she became an adult she had a job at the local supermarket and would always make a point of saying hi to any of us church members who came in. She was always super sweet and friendly. They moved a couple of years ago, and I miss them.

jencon16_1 avatar
Jennifer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy for this family and really appreciate you letting us know that the life expectancy has gone up so high--as I was reviewing the story that concern was in the back of my mind. I think people with Down Syndrome are some of the most beautiful people to grace the earth. We could all learn from their humongous, generous hearts and honesty.

lianaseath avatar
Liana Seath
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to school with a guy with DS and he was fun, respectful and warm. We had a good laugh with him and he still is really popular with everyone. I can't say I had a negative experience with him ever. He has a job that he's had for years now and whenever I see him he is always the same guy I remember.

bicolierasmus avatar
BiColi Erasmus
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! A pregnant friend of mine was anxious recently when her ObGyn sent her for a Down's Syndrome screening. I told her that having DS today, doesn't mean the same as it did 30 years ago. If the screening is positive, it shouldn't be considered a death sentence. Yes, you will have a child with special needs but that child will grow up with the same potential as any other. She will have a career, she will have relationships, she'll marry, she'll have children. And you will be prepared for all the challenges that come with it.

y_themptander avatar
YoyoSthlm
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not agree. I think some mothers don't realize how difficult it will be to have a child with special needs. I don't understand how you can say that the kid will have a career, children etc. because most people with DS don't. You are basically signing up for a lifetime of taking care of a kid and a lot of parents have to quit THEIR careers to take care of him/her. And that is why we have that screening, because most women don't want to have a baby with DS. Downvote all you like but this is what the majority of people think but are afraid to say.

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miriamemendelson avatar
Mimi M
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking the mom didn't have much choice in this marriage. Also noticing that the article says nothing about the part she played in his upbringing.

y_themptander avatar
YoyoSthlm
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little known fact: if people with Down's syndrome stay in like a nursing home, doctors give them birth control pills without telling them (but their parents know). That is morally difficult but I think it's the right thing to do.

row0010 avatar
miya rowley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish i could have my dad here with while reading this s**t

vyara_davidkova avatar
Vyara Davidkova
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing! One proud father, truly beautiful. But I have a question toward the author. Did the father raised his son alone? I see a woman on all those family pictures. Has she no contribution at all? Does the word "mother" become a dirty word?

rosalie-schnauzer avatar
C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly. There's no thankfulness for the mother mentioned. While highly likely the mother has done the most work. It's just sad. (Sorry for my English)

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ranmitatakahashi avatar
Kai
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, beautiful story! Someone know the name of the movie about a child being raised by a down sindrome father? I'm really interested on rewatching it.

orders_4 avatar
Liam Walsh
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is the film 'I am Sam'. I don't think he had DS - he's described as intellectually challenged. Is that the one you mean?

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kacey-hoftiezer1978 avatar
Kacey Hoftiezer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is AWESOME! I support people with disabilities and love it. I have single parents on my caseload also. For the one person if she wouldn't have had a child she says that she would' be in jail and not be the responsible person she is today. I agree with Brooke, what kind of parent doesn't love their child??!!

lannamama avatar
Lanna Mama
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine in high school had a younger brother with down syndrome. He finished high school and received a full ride to a college. Which he also has since graduated from. Is He is the most compassionate, hard working young man. He also never has problem making friends. He wasn't supposed to live longer than 15 yrs. Happy to say the doctor was incorrect. He has a beautiful girlfriend he met while volunteering for the poor in our city. She also has down syndrome. They are the cutest couple in the world.

trialia avatar
Trialia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This article and its comments left me bodily cringing. The article itself is the most cringeworthy sort of inspiration p*rn, and the comments are nauseating, so much bigotry. How many of my fellow commenters here are actually disabled themselves? Not many, I'd bet.

alisongrace avatar
Alison Grace
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are people with Down’s syndrome who have higher than average intelligence. Think about that for a while.

aminat-temicheva avatar
Ami Temi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such a heartwarming story of a beautiful family! I wish them and their follow Syrians all the best.

y_themptander avatar
YoyoSthlm
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why even get a screening if you don't care if the baby has DS or not??

lewife avatar
LE Wife
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did the screening because at the time I would have terminated the pregnancy. All my tests came back 100% normal. All of my daughters chromosomes are normal. Many syndromes do not consist of having abnormal chromosomes and 20 years ago we did not have the testing available to women we do now (thank God for my daughter!). If I were to get pregnant today, I would wave all testing because TODAY I have different views than I did 20 years ago and TODAY I would not terminate the pregnancy. But that is my view as the mother of a child with special needs who takes care of this child every single day. Easy to judge when you are not the one in my shoes. Unless you are living it, you really can't accurately comment on the subject.

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stanimira_deleva avatar
Pacifico Fernandez
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AM I THE ONLY PERSON WHO THINK IT IS WRONG? ... how can a man with Down syndrome sire an offspring? Is he really the biological father? If I was the mother, facing either a marriage with violence, or the choice to live with a "slowly reaching milestones, but very nice and happy" man, offcourse I would choose the milestone guy. It is a matter of their culture and community - in Syria women don't have much saying in their lives and one husband who is easily manipulated is a very good deal. I highly doubt though that it is ethical to have sex with a person with Down syndrome - it looks like violation and rape. The stories about people with DS are so positively presented that everyone forgot that this person was probabl not independent - his wife was like a mother to him. I don't know what is going on, but it does not seem right.

thatlaurafitzgerald avatar
Happiness is Hippo
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, you're attitude is lagging by at least 30 years here! People with Downs are able to make decisions, have adult sexual needs and most are perfectly capable of living independently. To suggest that any relationship must be parental in nature and any sexual contact is abuse is just so ignorant. I'm was really genuinely shocked reading your comment, especially the "easily manipulated " bit and questioning the son’s paternity! It's just a very unpleasant take on an obviously happy and successful family.

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las357s avatar
Lisa Schneirla Webster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the person repeatedly saying planned parenthood doesn't perform abortions. You are grossly misinformed. They have many locations that do not have that service but others that do. This is directly from their website: Visit Planned Parenthood's brand new health center location in Fairview Heights, IL. A state-of-the-art facility offering abortion care. Make an appointment today.

jessica_atreides avatar
Jessica Atreides
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Who thought it was a good idea to let the guy breed?

rightnow avatar
Niel Mah El Sandage -406points
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Disgusting and informative. ~ I had figured that Down Syndrome was a Poison. Yet grant families who have at least one intelligent child, permission to request children fuctionally less than the middle school grades to be euthanized\put down or killed by those parents without penalty even if found guilty, as long as other children exist. ~ This 1 story needing 4 other examples, shows significant hope to outlive the poisoning of families, and breed forward, disregarding the damage kkk put into foods or water, maybe even via microwave, RADAR, FCC harmonics shattering cell structural harmonics during development. #BiPolarRADAR #QuantumRADAR.

vsswift avatar
Victoria Swift
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

It's funny how this article dances around the fact that more women who discover their preborn babies might have a genetic disorder like this are pressured into abortion (looking at you Iceland and Planned Parenthood 😡)

blugeagua avatar
blugeagua
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are you talking about? Planned Parenthood does not do such a thing! They support women to making their own decisions no matter what they are. And they help women with any healthcare needs necessary. You’ve been brainwashed by anti-choice nutters who have told you lies about PP. They don’t even perform abortions!

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gvz2500 avatar
GerzG
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I have an idea! What if we get special pregnancy examinations to see if our children got the Down syndrome so that we can abort them.

nora-krahl avatar
Lady Beluga
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish the mother had been given the chance to say something as well - except for "I am 3 years older than him". The son was not raised by his Dad but his parents, and I am sure the mother played a central part in the "family management" as well.

giustizia avatar
Jus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly. I have a feeling she is the most hard working person in this situation. I used to take care of many different people with Down Syndrome and even though they were sweet, they were somehow hard to live with, too. I could see some had sexual needs, had their crushes etc. But no matter how slight the Syndrom was, I wouldn't say it was a good idea to start a family. I'm glad this family is a happy one. I'd really like to know why the mother married the father.

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martatavares22 avatar
Martata
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay for everyone speculating and wondering about the mother: "My mother and father were introduced through family and I think it was pretty much love at first site! He is treated with love and respect by my mother’s family and by all the people who know him." Here's the actual full story: https://babybrainmemoirs.com/living-with-a-father-who-has-downs-syndrome/

jakub_koziorek avatar
meeepy53 avatar
David Fox
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother has Down Syndrome, unfortunately she couldn't cope so I spent the best part of my childhood in care

cverrilli avatar
ellenarndt avatar
Ellen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes please don't take offense I'm curious why someone who doesn't have Down syndrome would marry someone who has it, it is a true disability (obviously they persevere and can achieve just about anything) and of course love is love but I'm curious how this came to be as well. Seems very unlikely that she'd meet him under organic circumstances

Load More Replies...
pusheenbuttercup avatar
pusheen buttercup
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm REALLY happy to see this- often when we see someone with a "mental disability", people portray them as someone you should feel sorry for or someone who's not a whole person, not capable of everything someone else is... such as, sexuallity, and being a role model, normal human things. I'm very grateful to whomever decided to post this. We aren't always there to just be taken care of... sometimes, we take care of others too, and so much more.

littlesaresare avatar
littlesaresare
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That seems to be the mentality in this comment section. All the upvoted comments are just "Why would anyone marry someone with Down's Syndrome? She must have been forced into it!" and "Clearly the mother did everything and the father did nothing and is just taking credit!" So much instant disdain to what should be a nice story. :(

Load More Replies...
shannonodland avatar
Dippin Dot
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My ex's niece has DS, but additionally she is autistic and is non-verbal; but that doesn't mean she's any less of a person. She is very happy, eats a side of chicken nuggets with her pepper (the amount of pepper she uses is comical), and her best friend is an evil teddy bear (Lotso from Toy Story 3). The toughest part about her disabilities for our family watching my son achieve milestones ahead of her even though he was a year younger... otherwise she's just another kid with her own unique set of needs - just like every other kid out there, special needs or not.

talanetaylor avatar
Tee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can tell by the pictures he is so proud of his son.

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful story and awesome family.

brooke-pomsan avatar
Brooke
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(Re:99 percent love their children)What kind of garbage human doesn't love their own child?

veni_vidi_vicky avatar
Vicky Zar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh there are enough of those. Think of that woman who poured water on her sleeping Baby "to teach it a lesson" (because it always woke her at night). I'm not sure I would call this love. And please don't start about the so called tough love bulls***

Load More Replies...
stacy avatar
Fixin'Ta
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a family in our church for many years whose daughter had Down's. They -- and we -- all treated her just like one of the other kids, and when she became an adult she had a job at the local supermarket and would always make a point of saying hi to any of us church members who came in. She was always super sweet and friendly. They moved a couple of years ago, and I miss them.

jencon16_1 avatar
Jennifer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy for this family and really appreciate you letting us know that the life expectancy has gone up so high--as I was reviewing the story that concern was in the back of my mind. I think people with Down Syndrome are some of the most beautiful people to grace the earth. We could all learn from their humongous, generous hearts and honesty.

lianaseath avatar
Liana Seath
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to school with a guy with DS and he was fun, respectful and warm. We had a good laugh with him and he still is really popular with everyone. I can't say I had a negative experience with him ever. He has a job that he's had for years now and whenever I see him he is always the same guy I remember.

bicolierasmus avatar
BiColi Erasmus
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! A pregnant friend of mine was anxious recently when her ObGyn sent her for a Down's Syndrome screening. I told her that having DS today, doesn't mean the same as it did 30 years ago. If the screening is positive, it shouldn't be considered a death sentence. Yes, you will have a child with special needs but that child will grow up with the same potential as any other. She will have a career, she will have relationships, she'll marry, she'll have children. And you will be prepared for all the challenges that come with it.

y_themptander avatar
YoyoSthlm
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not agree. I think some mothers don't realize how difficult it will be to have a child with special needs. I don't understand how you can say that the kid will have a career, children etc. because most people with DS don't. You are basically signing up for a lifetime of taking care of a kid and a lot of parents have to quit THEIR careers to take care of him/her. And that is why we have that screening, because most women don't want to have a baby with DS. Downvote all you like but this is what the majority of people think but are afraid to say.

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Mimi M
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking the mom didn't have much choice in this marriage. Also noticing that the article says nothing about the part she played in his upbringing.

y_themptander avatar
YoyoSthlm
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little known fact: if people with Down's syndrome stay in like a nursing home, doctors give them birth control pills without telling them (but their parents know). That is morally difficult but I think it's the right thing to do.

row0010 avatar
miya rowley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish i could have my dad here with while reading this s**t

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Vyara Davidkova
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing! One proud father, truly beautiful. But I have a question toward the author. Did the father raised his son alone? I see a woman on all those family pictures. Has she no contribution at all? Does the word "mother" become a dirty word?

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C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly. There's no thankfulness for the mother mentioned. While highly likely the mother has done the most work. It's just sad. (Sorry for my English)

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Kai
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, beautiful story! Someone know the name of the movie about a child being raised by a down sindrome father? I'm really interested on rewatching it.

orders_4 avatar
Liam Walsh
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is the film 'I am Sam'. I don't think he had DS - he's described as intellectually challenged. Is that the one you mean?

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Kacey Hoftiezer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is AWESOME! I support people with disabilities and love it. I have single parents on my caseload also. For the one person if she wouldn't have had a child she says that she would' be in jail and not be the responsible person she is today. I agree with Brooke, what kind of parent doesn't love their child??!!

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Lanna Mama
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine in high school had a younger brother with down syndrome. He finished high school and received a full ride to a college. Which he also has since graduated from. Is He is the most compassionate, hard working young man. He also never has problem making friends. He wasn't supposed to live longer than 15 yrs. Happy to say the doctor was incorrect. He has a beautiful girlfriend he met while volunteering for the poor in our city. She also has down syndrome. They are the cutest couple in the world.

trialia avatar
Trialia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This article and its comments left me bodily cringing. The article itself is the most cringeworthy sort of inspiration p*rn, and the comments are nauseating, so much bigotry. How many of my fellow commenters here are actually disabled themselves? Not many, I'd bet.

alisongrace avatar
Alison Grace
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are people with Down’s syndrome who have higher than average intelligence. Think about that for a while.

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Ami Temi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such a heartwarming story of a beautiful family! I wish them and their follow Syrians all the best.

y_themptander avatar
YoyoSthlm
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why even get a screening if you don't care if the baby has DS or not??

lewife avatar
LE Wife
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did the screening because at the time I would have terminated the pregnancy. All my tests came back 100% normal. All of my daughters chromosomes are normal. Many syndromes do not consist of having abnormal chromosomes and 20 years ago we did not have the testing available to women we do now (thank God for my daughter!). If I were to get pregnant today, I would wave all testing because TODAY I have different views than I did 20 years ago and TODAY I would not terminate the pregnancy. But that is my view as the mother of a child with special needs who takes care of this child every single day. Easy to judge when you are not the one in my shoes. Unless you are living it, you really can't accurately comment on the subject.

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Pacifico Fernandez
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AM I THE ONLY PERSON WHO THINK IT IS WRONG? ... how can a man with Down syndrome sire an offspring? Is he really the biological father? If I was the mother, facing either a marriage with violence, or the choice to live with a "slowly reaching milestones, but very nice and happy" man, offcourse I would choose the milestone guy. It is a matter of their culture and community - in Syria women don't have much saying in their lives and one husband who is easily manipulated is a very good deal. I highly doubt though that it is ethical to have sex with a person with Down syndrome - it looks like violation and rape. The stories about people with DS are so positively presented that everyone forgot that this person was probabl not independent - his wife was like a mother to him. I don't know what is going on, but it does not seem right.

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Happiness is Hippo
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, you're attitude is lagging by at least 30 years here! People with Downs are able to make decisions, have adult sexual needs and most are perfectly capable of living independently. To suggest that any relationship must be parental in nature and any sexual contact is abuse is just so ignorant. I'm was really genuinely shocked reading your comment, especially the "easily manipulated " bit and questioning the son’s paternity! It's just a very unpleasant take on an obviously happy and successful family.

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Lisa Schneirla Webster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the person repeatedly saying planned parenthood doesn't perform abortions. You are grossly misinformed. They have many locations that do not have that service but others that do. This is directly from their website: Visit Planned Parenthood's brand new health center location in Fairview Heights, IL. A state-of-the-art facility offering abortion care. Make an appointment today.

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Jessica Atreides
Community Member
4 years ago

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Who thought it was a good idea to let the guy breed?

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Niel Mah El Sandage -406points
Community Member
4 years ago

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Disgusting and informative. ~ I had figured that Down Syndrome was a Poison. Yet grant families who have at least one intelligent child, permission to request children fuctionally less than the middle school grades to be euthanized\put down or killed by those parents without penalty even if found guilty, as long as other children exist. ~ This 1 story needing 4 other examples, shows significant hope to outlive the poisoning of families, and breed forward, disregarding the damage kkk put into foods or water, maybe even via microwave, RADAR, FCC harmonics shattering cell structural harmonics during development. #BiPolarRADAR #QuantumRADAR.

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Victoria Swift
Community Member
4 years ago

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It's funny how this article dances around the fact that more women who discover their preborn babies might have a genetic disorder like this are pressured into abortion (looking at you Iceland and Planned Parenthood 😡)

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blugeagua
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are you talking about? Planned Parenthood does not do such a thing! They support women to making their own decisions no matter what they are. And they help women with any healthcare needs necessary. You’ve been brainwashed by anti-choice nutters who have told you lies about PP. They don’t even perform abortions!

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GerzG
Community Member
4 years ago

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I have an idea! What if we get special pregnancy examinations to see if our children got the Down syndrome so that we can abort them.

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