The most precious thing in life is family. Without family, people feel lonely and sad, no matter who they are or what they have, family remains important in someone’s life. This family, for example, knew how to grow together when their youngest as diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
Nicole Powell and J.J. Grieve already had what many would consider the ideal family. With four children, many would say their house was full. They even had an equal number of boys and girls.
With such a picture-perfect family, they were thrilled to learn they were expecting child number five. Nicole and J.J. eagerly passed on this information to their children. Although they might not have all understood what was happening, they were all quite happy.
During a routine prenatal checkup, this young family learned some unexpected news. Testing revealed their unborn child has serious health issues, including Down’s Syndrome. Doctors quickly recommended that they terminate the pregnancy.
Despite urgent pleas from medical personnel, Nicole and J.J. refused to end the pregnancy. They chose to carry their son to term. Weeks later, Tripp’s health began to improve while still inside the womb.
With a little brother on the way, J.J. and Nicole did their best to explain Down’s Syndrome to their children. As they described how their new little brother might be a bit different, their oldest son Rayce offered an astute observation: “Aren’t we all different?”
Rayce’s complete acceptance and love for his baby brother was only the beginning. He wildly anticipated the day his baby brother would finally arrive. After Tripp was born, Rayce would hold him and sing “10,000 Hours” by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber.
This account of brotherly love and acceptance has surely warmed your heart. Do you have a sibling with special needs or know someone else who does? Perhaps you have a story of a time when one of your siblings did something spectacular like serenading you in the way Rayce sang for Tripp. Take a few moments and spread some family love here or through another social media outlet.