Sanctity
–noun, plural -ties.
1. holiness, saintliness, or godliness.
This week we get to observe “Sanctity of Human Life” week.
You know, honestly, some days I can just cry. Sanctity of Human Life? Really?
Just when I think that my heart cannot take any more, something else happens or I read something that leaves me absolutely speechless. Gosh, and if this is how I feel-I simply cannot imagine how God feels when He looks down upon man-the ones He created in his beautiful image.
How He must weep.
Like many of you, I believe that ALL human life is sacred. I believe that every single human being is created perfectly, and that even “disability” (hate that word, by the way) is for God’s glory. Yes, I believe that even people who struggle in life are fearfully and wonderfully made…just the way they are. I believe that God uses even them to display His splendor and glory. God never makes mistakes. Each human being He creates is a masterpiece.
With all my heart I believe that to be the truth.
I look at our beautiful little girls with the wonderful extra chromosome and my heart aches for them. To many in the world, they have no worth, no value.
We’re pro-life in every sense of the word-both in the womb AND outside of the womb.
“Sanctity of Human Life” doesn’t end when the child is born alive (should those with Down syndrome be fortunate enough to be one of the less than 10% who are not aborted). It should continue on-forever. Life is precious. ALL life is precious and should be treated as such.
Yet sadly, that is so not the case. The longer we have our girls, the more I am realizing that they will have to live a life where prejudice, judgment, and Lord forbid, sometimes even downright EVIL, lurks around every corner. Some people just get a kick out of demeaning, degrading, and making a mockery of treasures such as ours.
How can it be in this day and age?
How can people be so cruel? So heartless? How can innocent children like ours be the brunt of lame, pathetic, and crude jokes? I just don’t get that. At all.
I just want to cry for my sweet children. I want to plead with humanity to PLEASE give them a chance. PLEASE look beyond the labels, the different physical features, the possible intellectual challenges and…
TREAT THEM LIKE HUMAN BEINGS, PLEASE!
Treat them with respect-just like anyone deserves to be treated.
Before Hailee and Harper joined our family I truly believed that we had come such a long way in these things. I honestly thought that people saw “disability” differently to the way it was seen years ago.
But I was wrong. Ignorant, perhaps.
There are still those who choose to mistreat any person who has a disability.
When will people learn? When will they know that inside AND outside the womb, life is sacred? All human life is sacred.
I guess I already know the answer to that question-Not until Jesus returns. It’s just the world we live in, I guess. How terrible that things are actually getting worse by the day.
I wish they all knew. Oh, how I wish they knew!
I wish they knew the blessing.
The joy.
The love.
The laughter.
The innocence.
The purity.
I wish they knew all that these children bring to a family.
If only they knew how hard they try. I mean, like how they pour their heart and soul into learning new things.
If only they knew that their lives have meaning, and purpose…and that God has such a unique plan for each and every one of them.
If only they knew that children with disabilities are the most loving, sweet, cuddly kids ever.
If only they knew what so many of us know…
That human life is precious and fragile.
Inside the womb and outside. This side of heaven…and on the other side.
I have no words. You said it perfectly. I cannot believe how these little Beauties are growing and changing! And, standing and walking! And, smiling and laughing! The changes are amazing. Hailee and Harper are Perfect in every way!
Beautiful. Your words, your heart, your children — all beautiful.
That is EXACTLY why I have spent my career working/helping people with disabilities. They are a JOY. I have learned SO MUCH! Most importantly, they are wonderful PEOPLE! Your little girls, all of your children, are precious! Thank you for sharing.
Such beautiful words and truth - with the most glorious and beautiful photos!!!!
Lots of love,
Jill
AMEN once again sweet friend! AMEN!
Awesome post, Adeye! I could not have said it better myself. You have been blessed with two amazing, beautiful little girls.
Your babies are BEAUTIFUL!
Your Babies are BEAUTIFUL!
amen
I have not walked in your shoes or begin to believe I understand what you and your sweet children have experienced. However, I have had my own little experience walking with a cane since my hip replacement surgery last month ( I am a “young” 45). I currently feel compelled to explain to folks that I am just recovering from surgery. Without this explanation I am often treated like my brain isn’t right. Last summer I had my other hip replaced and observed that most all men who saw me approach would hold a door for me (that was nice. Several folks treated me like I wasn’t very sharp and one woman even spoke really loud when trying to talk to me - it was my hip! And, even though we are living in the 21 century and in the northwest part of the united states, I have fought discrimination against my asian born adopted son on several occasions. It is unbelievable that folks still think this way - but do they honestly have to open their mouths and say it outloud?
I pray often for your sweet girls. I KNOW the Lord has a wonderful plan for their lives and the beautiful smiles on their faces bring joy to my heart each time.
Oh I just want to eat Harpy up she is so adorable! And look at Hailee- what a miracle! Love the pic of her laughing! Thought of you guys tonight- was watching the Golden Globe awards and the show Glee won best TV show. It was so sweet to see the cast celebrating and taking care of their cast mate Lauren Potter- who is also blessed w/ that extra chromosome. (The show has another character with Downs too- Robin Trocki). Sky IS the limit for what the girls can do!
What a beautiful post my friend!!! You are a gift to all those that need your voice, where they have none! Praying for you!
They are so precious. Really, they are. I once worked in a ministry for mentally impaired people. There were some down syndrome folks with us. One was named Todd. I loved him so much. He was honestly one of the sweetest, most loving, most gentle, precious souls on the face of the earth. One of my favorite people I have ever met. I remember thinking when I worked in that ministry how completely backward this world has it. The “least of these” people are the ones who are often the most like Christ. And yet the society at large feels sorry for their parents and for them. It’s sad, really.
Beautiful post, Adeye. What treasures you are entrusted with, thank you for sharing them with all of us. We treasure them too.
Love finds a way,
Renee
chasing-moonlight.blogspot.com
Adeye, growing up with a brother with visable SN’s, I saw first hand (as a child) how cruel people can be. However, I have also witnessed great empathy and compassion. Now, as a Momma to a little one with visable SN’s, I find myself beaming with pride everytime someone new gets the privaledge of meeting and knowing my precious daughter. We have only run into true cruelty once, although as she grows older, I know she will experience more. With a strong reliance on the Lord’s courage and the knowledge that He loves her no matter what, I just know my sweet Lizzie will be just fine. I hope that she will be able to forgive and pray for the souls of those who might taunt or tease her. That will be a true lesson in God’s love for this momma bear but if I can’t do it, how can I expect Lizzie to? Forgiveness is something I work on daily! I know, Adeye that you and your beautiful family will continue to inspire and your beautiful girls will be so surrounded by the Lord’s love as well as yours that they will be well insulated from the cruelty that is within some pooor souls.
While some live for the things of the earth, there are those who live for the glory of God. It shall be until He comes again. And so we keep going, keep praying, keep living & keep glorifying our God who makes all things perfect!
Hailee has GROWN! She looks so strong, so amazing, and standing tall in love!
God Bless.
It is so beautiful and amazing to see your sweet girls transformation! They look so healthy and joyful! Thank you for sharing them through your posts!
I have tears in my eyes and the biggest smile on my face, because I look at your girls and see how BEAUTIFUL they are, just the way they are. Praying that everyone that comes into their lives will see them this way. God’s beautiful creations. The love you have your girls and for God is just bursting from this post, Adeye. Praying with all my heart
ADEYE! Is that Hailee - standing, laughing, sparkling, beautiful, with bows in her perfect white-blonde hair? This can’t be the same child from six months ago. Just can’t be. She’s a new creation in God.
Little Harper too…what baby dolls. 
Your girls - all four - are simply stunning! And what miracles they are…
Oh my friend, my heart weeps for you and those precious girls. They are just so beautiful. My prayers are with you. Hugs and love Janelle
Oh my friend, my heart weeps for you and those precious girls. They are just so beautiful. My prayers are with you. Hugs and love Janelle
I’m so sad to hear you are experiencing such mean spiritedness in your life. You’re family is so precious!
Wow, oh, wow these new pictures show the huge strides your girls have made since coming home! Just loved looking at them both standing and even walking a wee bit?
God bless all of you!
Oh sweet sister! These words brought tears to my eyes. Like I think you said before, everyone should experience the joy of having a child with DS…a treasure from God…xo
Yes…we live in a world where people are so concerned about being politically correct. I wonder how many of them are “pc” about gorgeous children such as yours!
Take heart in knowing that God thinks your children are beautiful and perfect.
I love the photo of Hailee laughing - too cute!
I know what you know now!!!! Loving my extra gene girl!!!
Adeye,
I’m a regular lurker on your site since before you brought home Hailee and Harper and I had to leave a message today to tell you that your wonderful photos of the girls touched me so much. When I saw the photo of Harper standing I laughed out loud with delight and then when I saw Hailee it brought tears to my eyes. Your blog and your wonderful miracles are changing attitudes. Thank you, Susan
What a great post, friend.
I only recently learned of the alarmingly high abortion rate (well, ANY abortion rate is alarming) of DS babies. I was completely shocked. I had no idea that so many people would think that the very child they carried in their womb was not worthy of life, just because of an extra chromosome. It makes me weep. I can’t even fathom it at all.
Thank you so much for your continued postings of your PERFECTLY WONDERFUL girls. It IS making a difference, I just know it.
you have summed up the saddness that exists for these kids on a daily basis. it sickens my heart. downs syndrome children can teach us all something about unconditional love if all would take the time to listen. they love unconditionally always. you are so blessed with these 2 beautiful little girls. they are gorgeous and obviously loved beyond measure. i wish the world could learn from you!!! god bless you and your beautiful family!! you are amazing!!
Adeye, Hailee and Harper are precious beyond words. Perfection. I believe many of your faithful followers would enjoy http://www.kellehamptom.com, written by a mom like you, raising a child with DS and striving for all with DS to be treated with dignity and love. Her post from Jan. 14 speaks directly to this and reflects what you share in your post today. Thank you for so honestly sharing your family’s journey with us.
I was recently watching the news and the recent “great” discovery that amnioscentices may be a thing of the past because a blood test may be able to test for genetic abnormalties. Yet the whole point of testing is for a woman to be able to abort her baby if it isn’t “perfect”.
I do think that most people choose to abort those children because they don’t want the responsibility of such a child and they also worry about what other people think.
Yet, there is no reason they should care. A child is a blessing, and special needs children are no exception.
I do wish that other people wouldn’t judge.
loved loved loved this post! Hailee looks so amazing and healthy and Harper looks ready to take on the world. They are beautiful inside out and I thank you for bringing awareness to the cause of additional needs children. I recently showed my friend Hailee´s story and she was shocked to see how she looked when she was in the orphanage and loved the change that has happened. She thought Hailee was beautiful and precious.
Beautifully said, straight from your heart!!!
So well written! I can’t believe how many Downs babies get killed; and most of the children who are thought to have Downs who are aborted don’t have Downs! I feel very fortunate because I am adopted as well; in China, though, they have a one child policy, so the second child (or first, if it is a girl) must be aborted or abandoned. I am so glad that my mother chose life for me and that Hailee and Harper’s mothers chose life for them!!!!
And too, I don’t see why people are so unwelcome to Downs children! They’re people, made in God’s image and should be treated as such!
P.S. I love the photo of Hailee mid-giggle!
EXCELLENT post. I thought of your wonderful family as I was at a scrapbooking weekend. I was working on Prom pictures of my most special friend Lauren who was blessed with lots of ability as a person with DS.
I honestly think that those that are not fortunate enough to know someone with that extra chromosome have the disability. The disability to know how wonderful these precious children and people can be.
My heart just overflowed with love as I shared who Lauren was when I was working on the page. At the end, I mentioned that she was DS, and the lady said, “I didn’t even notice. I just saw how pretty and happy she looked.” I so wish that is all anybody really looked at in all of us!!!! (and yes, Lauren does have the noticeable beautiful almond eyes that I LOVE soooo much:-))
Beautifully put! AMEN!
I LOVE seeing the girls standing and walking and loving life in the Salem family!
So well said friend! 7 years ago, a dear friend was baptised this week. He and his wife had lost their daughter a few months earlier. During their pregnancy, they found out that their daughter had a fatal birth defect, they knew that she would not survive long after she was born if she survived in the womb until birth. It was recommended that they abort. They ended up in the office where I worked as part of the Perinatal hospice staff, not only were they my clients but they became our dear friends. They chose to carry sweet M and ended up having a c-section so they could love and parent her for whatever time God gave them. They wanted to celebrate her sweet life! And celebrate we did for 1 hour and 10 minutes, singing Happy Birthday, snuggling her close, giving her kisses and letting all the grandmas, papas and of course mom and dad love on her. I was blessed to be with them the entire time through her delivery, her sweet moments with family and the hours that followed as they said good bye, collecting memories for them. M’s life was worth every 70 minutes God gave her and her family! God knew her days and moments before we did and He had a plan for her life. This week, 7 years ago, her daddy stood before friends and family and shared how God used this painful time to help him know how much He needed the Lord and how much God loved him.
When I see pictures of your sweet family, I am often reminded of our friends, every child’s life is of value to their Heavenly Father. Thank you for choosing to be mom and dad to these treasures!
I think what I am most fearful of as we prepare to parent a child with DS and a child with CP, is how they will be treated by others. It is not the heart condition, lack of speech, inability to walk very well, institutional behaviors, DS or CP itself that scares me about these boys; it is knowing very soon we are going to witness hurtful words/actions towards them and know we have to figure out ways to deal with each instance in ways that are pleasing to Him. It seemes like that might be the toughest part of the whole assignment!!!
Beautiful photos…beautiful girls
God bless, Jennifer
Adeye, I wonder how many hearts have been changed, opened because of you…sharing your journey, sharing through lens and words how very precious your children are….regardless of medical evals.
It has been amazing watching them blossom since leaving the orphanage.
Keep shining. The darkness doesn’t like the light but the light is more powerful than the darkness.
love,
Holly
What a wonderful post Adeye! You said it so well. And what beautiful little treasures. I especially love the picture of Hailee “standing” and laughing. It looks like she is giggling really hard. If only others could see the beauty in God’s work.
Anita
If only this simple truth could reach those that really need to hear it!! Your girls are just beautiful in every way, those pictures are amazing!
What a beautiful and heart-wrenching post. As we prepare to bring home our two girls with Down syndrome from Ethiopia, I am wondering how things will look in terms of what types of comments we’ll face. I just CANNOT wrap my mind around the awful statistics here in the US (over 90% of these sweet babies never live to be born), or understand how people can look at other human beings and think anything less than that they were created by God.
Your girls are so precious, and what a tragedy that so many miss out on knowing the joy of these sweet children!
I wish that more people would realize that all of us are part of the same family and that nobody should ever be treated as “lesser than”. Your sweet babies are perfect and I wish I lived closer to you so I could hug and support all of you as you go through life’s journeys. For now, doing so from afar will have to do. Hugs and love to each member of the beautiful Salem family!
You might not realize it, Adeye, but your blog is far-reaching in its ability to bring awareness and inspire action. You’re doing much more than showing us those gorgeous kids of yours. God is using you (and them)!
I, too, wish that people would just “get it.” But as you say, when Jesus comes, their eyes will finally be opened. They will know what they have missed out on.
I have no idea how I stumbled across your blog, but I’m so thankful that I did. Your words, your heart and your life so clearly reflect your love for the Lord. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family and your story with the world.
As for this post? You said it perfectly. It sometimes seems so daunting swimming against the stream, but maybe together we can help to change the tide…
Libby
Have you seen her blog?
http://www.kellehampton.com/
Her little girl has downs and her life has changed (for the good). It has been interesting to follow her journey and now see what she is doing with Nella and acceptance for children with downs.
I agree all children are perfect the way God created them. I do disagree with you that things are getting worse. I know you’ve heard or remember when children with Downs Syndrome were placed in institutions or people with mental disabilities were hidden away or locked in closets. Forget about adopting a child with Downs Syndrome or other physical or mental problems. It has gotten better and it’s because of people like you and your husband and all the people that adovoting for these children.
You are absolutely right! There are so many laws that make you believe that we’ve come a long way…but that is just not the case. Our sweet children are such a blessing. So many people tell me that our son is blessed to have us…HA !! If they only knew that HE was the blessing
When I see pictures of Hailee and Harper, I just see their beauty! I don’t even see their DS. God created them especially for your family. And I love Hailee’s sneakers w/ her dress…too cute!
Great couple posts - spoken like the Believer that you are! It’s not ‘dis’ ability - just a different set of abilities….some of which I wish I could share sometimes!
Thanks for being a Follower - and for knowing both Trust and Love!
hugs - aus and co.
Lovely post Adeye!!
And the pictures said everything that your words couldn’t communicate!! Your girls are absolutely beautiful!! Love seeing the pictures of them as they venture forward into this life that God has prepared for them. What a beautiful opportunity for a wonderful life the Lord and your family has given them.
Amen and AMEN!! Your girls are stunning!!! How blessed they are to be your children…and how blessed you are to be their mom. Having a cousin with DS, I know just what treasures those with that extra chromosome are. Saw one such precious gift this morning and all I could do was smile. You’re so right. God does NOT make mistakes!! Thank you, once again, for your heartfelt transparency in sharing your heart and family with us.
Anyone who doesn’t appreciate your adorable Hailee and Harper is SO missing out on a blessing. They are an inspiration!
Great post. And unbelievably beautiful pictures! Your girls are gorgeous and absolutely blossoming. Yay for the walking!!
Amen! I have spent 22 years of my life working for an organization with core values of “Respect, Unity and Inclusion” and I can’t imagine my life without these special clients. Many days I think they have life figured out and the rest of the world are the ones with a disability. Just spent 3 very long days holding a tournament for 35 special athletes and wouldn’t change it for the world. Your family is very blessed and with all hopes and a few answered prayers I’ll be able to adopt as you have in the future! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you, thank you for sharing this! I lost my daughter Ella, who had down syndrome, when I was 40 weeks pregnant. I can’t understand that someone would choose to end the live of their child when here I am mourning a life loss that I didn’t choose.
Finally, an issue that I am passionate about. I have looked for information of this caliber for the last several hours. Your site is greatly appreciated.
I’m sure someone else has sent this to you, but every so often I have to resend it to my mom as a reminder. So I thought I’d send it to you as well after reading this last post…
The Special Mother
by Erma Bombeck
Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.
This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
“Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint…give her Gerard. He’s used to profanity.”
“Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia.”
“Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew.”
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, “Give her a handicapped child.”
The angel is curious. “Why this one God? She’s so happy.”
“Exactly,” smiles God, “Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel.”
“But has she patience?” asks the angel.
“I don’t want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she’ll handle it.”
“I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I’m going to give her has her own world. She has to make her live in her world and that’s not going to be easy.”
“But, Lord, I don’t think she even believes in you.” God smiles, “No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness.” The angel gasps - “selfishness? is that a virtue?”
God nods. “If she can’t separate herself from the child occasionally, she’ll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn’t realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a ‘spoken word'”. She will never consider a “step” ordinary. When her child says ‘Momma’ for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!”
“I will permit her to see clearly the things I see…ignorance, cruelty, prejudice….and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side”.
“And what about her Patron saint?” asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles, “A mirror will suffice.”
I’m sure someone has already sent you the poem by Erma Bombeck, but I still resend to my mom as a reminder every so often. So read http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Special_mother.html Don’t be discouraged, for every negative your children encounter there will be 2 positive, and you will never know how many lives they have touched.
Keep posting stuff like this i really like it
I do wish more people would realize that life is sacred.
There are two more children on Reece’s Rainbow with life-shortening conditions that I am praying hard for.
http://reecesrainbow.org/catherine-9ha
http://reecesrainbow.org/shaun-etkf-region-3
THIS IS THE BEST BLOG POST EVER!!!! I just want to shout AMEN! As one who was born with the disability/ gift of Cerebral Palsy and has a sister with DS I can relate to so much of what you said! I am praying that I can find the words to share my heart and my experiences living in a world where people with disabilities are Not accepted as people in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your hart and starting a fire deep in my heart. Your blog is always such a blessing and a inspiration to me!!!!
Love in Christ,
Melissa
http://journeytowardeternity.blogspot.com/
Just a word of encouragement- there were signs in the metro this past year making people aware of Down’s Syndrome- such a positive thing to see here where ignorance abounds! The girls are DARLING!!