Love Poem: A Courageous Choice
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Written by: Mark Stellinga

A Courageous Choice

The sweetest display of affection I've witnessed was that of a Down syndrome child who'd dove into bed with an oversized teddy bear, easily double her size...
And fought her way in 'til the arms of the Panda were seemingly holding her tight...a feeling she'd obviously hoped to achieve...based on the smile in her eyes. 

Not that the bear was enormously big...the girl was a wee little tyke...but seeing her working to - hug the bear back - with arms that were anxious, but short -
I felt the tears, as they rolled down my cheeks, from knowing - just six years ago she’d been exposed as a - “child with a flaw” - her mother had planned to abort!

I was impressed with the family who'd asked for a chance at adopting this child, knowing - before she was born - that her issues would bring with them hurdles to leap.
Hurdles that tend to be tryingly lofty...with difficult problems that challenge resolve - constantly proving that certain commitments are - easier to make - than to keep.

Taking on something as daunting as Downs...a battle that many would choose to avoid...family and friends were supporting their courage while - lurking behind their facades -
Privately worried the height of the mountain of obstacles lying in store
would prove to be greater than what they expected, and keep them from beating the odds. 

But Ely and Meagan were teaming with confidence...all the arrangements were made...and after their being officially approved, and signing in all the right places,
They were presented with what had been scheduled to -- never have taken a breath...and when they got home, I clearly remember - the unbridled joy on their faces. 

Lucy was tiny, and squirmy as heck, with a wail that would curdle your mind, 
but seeing her lying there, cuddling that bear - an innocent youngster of five -
Cooing, “I love you,” and hugging it tightly is something I'll never forget...
and to think, were it not for the young couples' courage...this child would not be alive!