Parents inspired by son with Down syndrome
Monday, January 21st, 2008
From the Long Beach [CA] Press-Telegram:
Columnist Tom Hennessy profiles Jim and Miriam Kang, who received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Abortion was not an option for them, and they felt profoundly depressed and worried. Would neighbors and friends reject their child? Would anyone ever invite him to a birthday party?
Now, the Kangs say happily that their son Nicholas has been welcomed by their community, and that his progress is challenging many preconceptions about people with Down syndrome. Now almost four, Nicholas can count to 20, spell his first and last name, knows his shapes and colors, and can read over 30 words.
Nicholas is deluged with birthday-party invitations. He attends Emerson Parkside Academy and has been befriended by children who do not have Down syndrome.
“This past year,” says Miriam, “one of his ‘typical’ friends from school invited him to her birthday party. I cried tears of joy because he was invited to a party from school. My biggest fear was now no longer.” (more…)
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