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Very early on in Eileen's pregnancy we were advised that
the child we were expecting could have 'Downs Syndrome'.
It had been identified that Eileen's records suggested a
strong chance of this. Like any parent this was not news
we wanted to hear. But after the initial shock we placed
ourselves in the hands of god.
To us this information was of great support because it then
allowed us to prepare for this likelihood and we also received
great support from the medical team supporting us at this
time. A beautiful moment occurred during a scan, towards the
end of the pregnancy, when we were involved in the hospital's
trial of the 4D scanner. We clearly saw a definite 'human'
image of our son being broadcast and in a brief moment this
child raised his fist and gave us the 'thumbs up'.
My wife has always been active in our church and has regularly
visited Lourdes in France on pilgrimage. In 2005, as a family,
we returned to Lourdes in thanksgiving and, as Mary, presenting
our Son at the 'temple' to the Lord in 'this place'. Dominic's
presence seemed to encourage those who choose to work voluntarily
here and to entertain the sick. Today he seems to be a 'healthy'
child much loved by his family and community. His initial
health was however challenging but again we have experienced
the love of the Lord at these times when he must have surely
carried us through by those he sent to help us.
The loss of Gabrielle was the loss of hope and expectation
that all parents must experience as they 'plan' their future.
Today, every day is like a birthday. Our joy is to wake
up with Dominic and after a day at work to return home to
see him and witness his development."
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