We are often the subject of how society looks upon us, especially when we are dealing with a significant and sometimes misunderstood problem. The pressure may be put on us in various ways, and one couple found this out in a very unique way.
It all started about 20 years ago when a California woman, Patti White received the news that her daughter, Lisa was pregnant. This had some difficulties associated with it because Lisa has Down syndrome.
There are a variety of different possible physical and mental impairments associated with that chromosome disorder. It is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to the possibility that a person with Down syndrome can lead an independent life.
One thing that is statistically less likely to happen is for two people with Down syndrome to have a child together. It’s rare for a man with Down syndrome to have a child and as a couple, the odds are about 50% lower.
After Patti heard that she was going to have a grandchild, she was surprised but she decided to stick with Lisa and help her keep the child. Lisa was 29 years old at the time and was living in her own apartment. She also worked full-time at a local Goodwill store and had been on her own for 11 years.
Her mother said in a 2016 interview: “She got along with everyone. She could do everything except the cash register. She liked it there and they liked her.”
Lisa had a relationship with a man who also had Down syndrome. They lived in separate houses but they continued to date.
Patti was somewhat surprised because all of the books that were out at the time said males with Down syndrome were sterile. They were under the impression that Lisa couldn’t get pregnant.
That is when Lisa left her a voicemail, which said: “Hi mum, I just wanted you to know you are going to be a GRANDMOTHER!”
Lisa said: “My mind went in all directions. How could this be? Her boyfriend has Downs!”
Many people criticized the couple for wanting to keep the children and they doubted the ability of Lisa to be a good mother. One thing that she had going for her, however, was a supportive family and her mother was there with her through the entire process.
Lisa said: “It was hard for me to walk around when I was pregnant, I was working five days a week. I had morning sickness and I wasn’t feeling good. I felt like I was going to throw up.”
The pregnancy was he was considered high risk and Lisa’s son was born four weeks early. That boy, Nic, also has Down syndrome.
The family did try to live together for a while but it did not work out. Unfortunately, Nic’s father died when he was about five years old. Now, he is 24 years old and has grown up to be a very handsome young man. He also recognizes the part that his grandmother played in helping to raise him.
He said: “I have two moms. My mom Lisa is my greatest future in my life. She gave me life and she gave me love and she gave me birth and she is always wonderful and she is beautiful.”
Patti couldn’t be prouder and she shared an update on social media, writing: “This is my daughter, Lisa, clowning with her son, Nic. They both have Down Syndrome. This year is a landmark for all of us. She will turn 50 and he will turn 20. Me, I am older than dirt. So proud of us. Our goal when she became pregnant was for her to know him and have a relationship with him. There were many ups to their “Downs”, after all these years we can honestly say they have overcome the odds and share tremendous love for each other and their small little family unit.( she is a single mom).”
