Loving Issac

Through my involvement in the group “I Run 4 Michael,” I read stories every day of families whose children struggle with an array of challenges. I see through the interactions on this page that choosing to partner with these families by being paired with one of their children doesn’t make the challenges themselves any easier to bear. Nor does our involvement as runners change anything about the conditions these children and their families face. However, what we do provide is the reassurance that they are not alone. Someone they may never meet is on their side and providing support.

One of the stories I ended up hearing is that of Issac Guy, who passed away at nine months old on July 23, 2013. Issac’s mom, Lori, wants his story to be heard. For that reason, I am giving her my blog space tonight in memory of Isaac.

Lori Talks About Issac

Issac was a amazing boy. When we told our parents about Issac having Down [Syndrome] their first response was get an abortion. I feel the older generation needs to be more educated about it. That abortion is not the right answer. It’s so different today from back then. You’re right I hate how the words Down syndrome have a classification to them.  If people met Issac they would know. Issac had struggles from birth but he was a fighter. He loved life and everybody that came into his life. His frown would make the crappiest person happy.  Making that decision to let him go was very hard. No parent should have to do that. Watching your son take his last breath knowing he’s not going to say mommy or daddy again it killed me on the inside. Issac’s brothers adored him, they each had their own part of his life. Seeing them lose their brother hurt. Issac also enjoyed hockey. The day he came home he was at that rink watching big brother Logan play.I still don’t understand why this happened to me. But as Issac’s mother I’m going to fight for him. Down syndrome are two words that you should fell blessed with not ashamed. I hope this helps you some.

When Lori wrote “I hope this helps you some,” she was really talking to me about the content for this blog. But her story and her child have helped me “some” (and more) by helping me understand one family’s experience with Down Syndrome, and I think their story can help other people have a different perspective on Down Syndrome.

And, Down Syndrome aside, they’ve helped me have yet another glimpse into the ways in which families unconditionally love one another.

For information about Down Syndrome itself, in addition to ways to help by donating or joining a Buddy Walk, visit the National Down Syndrome Society at this link.  (If you are here in Tallahassee, please note there’s a Buddy Walk on October 13! You can get information about the Tallahassee Buddy Walk and Family Fun Day at this link.)

Paula Kiger

Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.