Dear Gwendolyn:
I have been married for four years. Two years into our marriage I became pregnant. My husband was ecstatic and we looked forward to our unborn. However, just months before his birth we were advised something was wrong.
After his birth, doctors informed us that our baby was Down Syndrome. We were devastated. He is now 2 years old and my husband is threatening to leave. He says he can’t deal with the situation. He wants our son placed into an institution. Trying to hold on to my husband, I fear I am losing the love for my child.
Rachel
Dear Rachel:
When two people marry, that is a happy day, but in reality they go off into the unknown. I want you to read ‘Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Live, by Kathryn Lynard Soper and Martha Sears %uFFFD paperback 2007. You and your husband need to seek counseling, and you need to look into a facility in which to place your son if this burden is too heavy to bear. Although, don’t put him there and walk away never to return.
You know that happens. Go to see him and go often. Or, better than that, there are home health centers that will come unto your home to assist in his care. This would keep him at home and yet give you some self time. Whatever decision you make, let it be your decision. Think about it. Men leave women with healthy children. Do not allow him to use your son as a factor. If there’s any love to be lost, let it be for your husband,%uFFFDand not your son.
______ Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. á
About Post Author
