My aunt gave birth to a baby girl with Down's Syndrome in the late 50's. In those days, the conventional wisdom was "put her in an institution, she'll never be anything more than a vegetable, she'll die in a few months anyway." They took her home, loved her, raised her, taught her all they could. They were instrumental in getting programs for the handicapped started in their part of Washington state. Her name was Diane. She lived into her 30's, and was able to talk, read, play, feel, and return all the love anyone ever gave her twice over. She had a great talent for remembering people's names, faces, and their relationship to her. Not to say that her life was all a bed of roses--she had terrible frustration with her own limitations (and the limitations of those attempting to understand her) and severe health problems--but she was a blessing to her family, immediate as well as extended. I guess what I'm trying to say is first, there is no life that is not worth living; and second, progress is being made, both medically and socially. So don't despair, keep fighting for your rights and those of your son.

Jon W.