One of the greatest aspects about the world is that it is unpredictable. You never really are aware of what’s coming next, and life can shock you.
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In Julie and Dan McConnel’s case, one of those instances came in the form of their beautiful children named Milo and Charlie. The kids were brought into the world with Down’s syndrome, which, as you may know, can present unique opportunities and challenges.
And yet in the case of Julie and Dan, Milo and Charlie these perceived challenges have only been incredible blessings.
A large number of kids that are born with Down’s syndrome have difficulty learning in the same way other kids do, and can suffer certain physical difficulties as well. Speaking about their parenting, the couple stated:
“My hope is to attract families that are receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child because that can be really scary. I hope that people will find us, and see that this is what life can be like,” Julie told WTSP 10 News.
“It can be fun, it’s full of love, it’s not scary. We have no regrets, and there is so much joy in our lives, and I hope that people will see that.”
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The family has gone on to create a community where parents who aren’t aware of Down’s syndrome can be educated and made aware of the amazing joys a diagnosis can create.
“It takes them a little longer to meet milestones, but when they meet goals we celebrate like no other parents alive,” she said. “We throw a party and we’re so excited for them when they accomplish those things.”
Charlie and Milo are incredibly unique in that they are fraternal twins with Down’s syndrome – they are thought to be a 1-in-14 million instance.
“It’s big to show everyone else that we are here, and there are all these kids in our community, and we hope that they will see us and remember us and that things will continue to change in our communities with lots of acceptance,” Dan said.
“We’re standing on the shoulders of other parents that have paved the way for all these things to happen and it’s an exciting time to have a child with Down syndrome,” Julie added. “I want to see them grow up and do whatever they want to do.”
