From fear when learning her new baby has Down’s Syndrome and uncertainty to seeing God’s power on display-one family’s story of trust, growth, and unexpected joy.
Sometimes the most life-changing moments come without warning—reshaping everything we thought we knew about ourselves, our families, and even our faith.
In today’s interview, Karen shares her journey of raising her son Matthew, who was unexpectedly born with Down Syndrome. With honesty and vulnerability, she opens up about the fear, isolation, and overwhelming questions she faced in those early days, especially while far from family and support.
But woven through her story is something deeper: the steady, faithful presence of God. Through Scripture, unexpected encouragement, and the unique joy Matthew brings to those around him, Karen began to see her circumstances through a new lens—not as a mistake, but as a place where God’s power could be beautifully displayed.
If you’ve ever questioned your ability to handle what’s been placed in your hands or wondered if God truly knew what He was doing when He chose you—this story will remind you that He does.
Below is the interview conducted with a mom who God blessed with a special needs son.
Meet Karen, a mom with a Down’s Syndrome son
Could you briefly introduce yourself and your family?
My name is Karen. I’ve been married for 36 years, and I have 4 children and 1 grandchild.
Did you know your baby would be born with Down’s Syndrome prior to his birth?
My oldest son has Down syndrome which we didn’t know until he was born. We had just moved to a new state about 6 weeks before he was born and had no friends and no family there. My pregnancy was uneventful, except for swelling in my legs and feet.
Matthew was born by emergency C-section due to fetal distress. Because of the fetal distress, they whisked him away to do an assessment, and I was sent to the recovery room. While I was there, a woman was wailing because she had lost her twin babies at about 20 weeks. It was so sad. Then our doctor came in and asked my husband to come out and talk to him, and I knew immediately something was wrong. When my husband came back, I asked what was wrong with the baby and he said nothing so then I asked what’s wrong with me? He finally, reluctantly told me they thought the baby had Down syndrome.
What was your reaction after being informed of his diagnosis?
I was shocked, scared, freaked out, and felt very incapable! I cried a lot! I’m the kind of person who likes information, but information was hard to come by back then. We asked to speak to the geneticist who gave us a lot of inaccurate information. Through word of mouth, I was able to talk to several moms across the country (no internet back then).
Then Matthew had surgery for a partial intestinal blockage at age 1 week. It was really a lot to take in!
Were there any turning points—moments when you realized God was doing something deeper in you or your family?
During that time, I kept reading the Bible. One day I was reading about the man born blind in John 9. Verse 3 in the New International Version says, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
The New Living Translation says it this way: “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” I knew this was a message from God about Matthew, but I had no idea exactly how it would play out.
What kinds of support (church, community, friendships) made a difference for you?
When Matthew was one, we moved to another city and state and had another baby when he was 18 months old. When Matthew was 3, we again moved to another city and state. We eventually had two more kids before Matthew was 6 years old.
We didn’t join any support groups because we moved so much, so we only had the support of friends and family and Matthew’s therapists. Because we moved so much, we didn’t attend church on a regular basis until Matthew was 3 years old.
When we finally joined a church, everyone there was supportive of Matthew and of us. When Matthew was 8, he was hospitalized and my church friends helped with my other kids at a moment’s notice.
As Matthew grew up, I taught him that God created him in His image just like everyone else. Matthew is exactly who God intended for him to be. Matthew is glad he has Down syndrome. He loves God with all his heart, and worships freely and honestly.
People at church are always telling me how much they love to see him worship.
It dawned on me that John 9:3 was demonstrated in his life.
If you could leave readers with one encouragement from your story, what would it be?
When Matthew was born, I questioned God’s choice of me as his mother- I asked God, “Do you know me?” I felt really inadequate!
But I guess God did know me, and I was capable.
Having Matthew has been a challenge because of his health issues, but it’s been a blessing.
I can’t imagine my life without him.
What would you say to a parent or adult who feels alone in their circumstances?
If you are in a similar situation, don’t let anyone tell you how to feel.
Tell God how you feel- He can take it! But know that God is with you.
He has a plan.
It might not be easy, but it will be rewarding in ways you can’t imagine.
Share this post with other new moms raising a child with Down’s syndrome. How did you feel learning your new born had Down’s syndrome?
Leave a Reply