A Child of God
An unplanned pregnancy, unsettled finances, uncertain health. Any one of these situations would give prospective parents a cause for concern. But all three at once? These circumstances brought parents Laura and Jair Reyes to the brink of a life-or-death decision.
From the beginning, the doctors classified Laura’s pregnancy as “high risk,” and later a blood test discovered their baby had the markers for Downs Syndrome. The doctors suspected other abnormalities as well, and clearly, they said, this baby would face serious challenges. The Reyes were given two options: have the child and know he or she would face serious obstacles in life, or abort the baby.
The Reyes were forced to consider the difficulties involved with both options. How could they afford the medical costs of a child with special needs? Could they raise this special needs child on their limited income? How could they add to the responsibilities of already parenting a kindergartener and a sixth grader? Even family and friends warned them to consider the difficulties involved and make their decision carefully.
Thankfully, the family also sought counsel from God’s Word and their pastor. Utilizing resources from Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM),
Laura and Jair were strengthened in their conviction that God is the author and giver of life, and although He may be testing their strength and faith, they recognized this child was a gift. Since God was giving this special baby girl to them, they trusted that He would also give them the ability and resources to care for her. They would keep the baby, while preparing for the worst and praying for the best.
On May 31, their little girl, Eliana Nevaeh (her middle name is “heaven” spelled backwards), was born. Eliana didn’t have any of the life-threatening complications the doctors predicted, and even with Downs Syndrome, she is still a happy and healthy baby girl.
Laura and Jair recognize they still have a long road ahead of them, but they also realize they are not alone. Their family supports their choice of life and their church family embraces them with love. And most of all, God promises to provide for his children, for we are all special to him.