It was the 04th of October 2019, filled with expectation, excitement, and adrenalin as we eagerly awaited the arrival of our 1st born son, Josua Jacques de Wet. Everything went according to plan, a smooth delivery with no complications as we welcomed him screaming into the world. We held him with tears of joy streaming down our faces. After a few hours had passed and the room had quieted down with all the family members having left, my husband and I, for the first time, had an intimate moment with Josua. As if our brains were connected, literally, we looked at one another, and I immediately noticed his alarmed expression, which instantaneously triggered the same emotion in me. Do you see what I see, I asked him, and he hesitantly replied, “yes, something with his eyes”………
The following morning the Paediatrician came in to do her rounds and, without even thinking twice, we asked her if Josua was ok. She, in turn, asked us what do we see. With those words, we immediately knew that there was something wrong. She had also picked up something in his eyes and advised that we test for Down Syndrome, and with that confirming our worst fears. After three emotionally draining days, we sat in her office as she opened the envelope. The following five words will be engraved in our memories forever, “Your son has Down Syndrome”. We were shocked beyond measure, filled with emotions of fear, anxiety, and sorrow. How soon would we come to learn that these feelings would be transformed into emotions of joy and a renewed sense of gratitude towards God?
Two years later, we can testify that Josua, apart from contracting the RS and Parainfluenza 2 Virus, which caused him to be admitted, has never seen the inside of a hospital. From a physical perspective, he is 100% healthy and doing só well. We received the most valuable advice from the doctor that same day she confirmed his diagnosis and which we follow disciplined to this day. “Early intervention is key to development.” Josua has been blessed with unbelievable therapists and teachers at his school [KASI Pretoria], who play a vital role in his development. Josua has already taken his first steps, knows more than 50 signs, and can pronounce several words at the age of two. We can attest that early intervention has indeed played a crucial role in his development, and the input never stops. We have also learned that even though it takes a bit longer, eventually, children with Down Syndrome also reach all of their milestones.
Through our journey, my husband and I are constantly reminded that what you see is not what you get, that you always have something to be grateful for and that as long as we remain on our knees, God will guide, strengthen and enable Josua to be the best version of himself. Josua, you have already taught us so much of what true joy and unconditional love looks like, and we love you with all our hearts.
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go – Joshua 1:9
