I recently read two articles posted on Facebook that were taken from the Chattanooga News Free Press regarding raising children with disabilities. Both stories touched my heart like nothing I’ve read in a long time. Both were disturbing, but for different reasons. This was not the article I intended to write this week, but God spoke to my heart on this one. Keep in mind, this is my opinion, which is largely based on my faith.

The first article was the story of a couple suing the state because their child was born with Down’s Syndrome. According to the story, the mother had tissue testing done while she was pregnant, and the tests were negative for health issues. Apparently, the hospital made a mistake and actually gathered the mother’s tissue instead of the fetus. Therefore, the Down’s Syndrome was not detected. Her basis for suing was that she would have aborted the child if she had known, and now she must raise a child with a disability. The child is now three-years-old.

How could this woman look at this beautiful child and be sorry that she is alive. Down’s Syndrome children are some of the most loveable children in the world. They are very affectionate, and most go on to lead productive and fulfilling lives. I honestly felt sick to my stomach when I read this. If the mother would only accept this child as she is, it would open up a whole new world for the entire family. The parents could learn so much from this child. People with disabilities have so much to offer. I’ve often said that I get so much more from my child with Spina Bifida than I could ever give.

The next story is the flip-side of the last. It’s one of a woman in Chattanooga who has six children, and four have disabilities, three of which have autism. This woman and her husband have struggled to raise these children the best they can. The story states they are living in poverty because the husband has had to quit work to help take care of them. The mother struggles with depression and even thoughts of suicide. She is in counseling, and the husband appeared to be very emotionally supportive. The mother has worked her way through college despite her depression and struggles raising the children. She states that her faith has gotten her through these difficult times.

So here we have two mothers: one who would do anything to provide a loving home and good life for her children, the other who wishes she had thrown her child’s life away. I’m trying not to be judgmental here, but all life is precious. Children need to be loved and accepted for who they are, no matter what their abilities.

We’re all God’s creatures.

References: Facebook reposted from Chattanooga Times-Free Press articles.

Pam Rasmussen is a resident of LaFayette. She is a mother of a child with Spina Bifida and an advocate of special needs children and adults. She can be contacted at jraz1230@comcast.net.