In the Beginning Part 2

Remember when medical technology did not exist to help parents find out the sex of the baby before it was born?  My mother did not have the option to find out if I was a boy or girl until I was pulled out into the light of the world back in 1971.  Parents back then had to wait for the actual delivery of the baby before knowing. 

Fast forward to 1999 and during an ultrasound for our first child we were asked if we wanted to know the sex of the baby ahead of time.  Debby and I wanted to kick it old school and wait for the birth before knowing the sex.  Finding out ahead of time is like knowing the ending of a great movie without watching it first or knowing what Christmas presents you got without having the opportunity to rip off the wrapping paper.  It takes away the element of surprise. 

Without knowing the sex of the child before birth does create some additional preparation.  Instead of coming up with just one name the parents have to think of two. Then you have to discuss what color to paint the baby’s room, what kind of clothes to buy, and how do family and friends prepare for the baby shower if no one knows the sex of the baby.  So it adds a little more work and stress to the situation, but without a little more chaos life could be a lot more boring. 

Medical technology and testing continues to progressively get better in the areas of pregnancy and child birth.  Today, there are a lot more test, screenings and ultrasounds, being conducted prior to the birth along with greater techniques and technologies being used during the delivery to best protect the well-being of the mother and child.  During the pregnancy there was one test we had the option to have conducted before our first child was born.  The doctor asked us if we wanted a test to determine the possibility or probability our child would be born with mental retardation or have a birth deficiency.  It was kind of an awkward moment, but a question the doctor had to ask.  The answer for Debby and I was quite simple; NO, we do not want the test. However, it did start a discussion between Debby and me one night when we were taking a stroll around the neighborhood.  What if we took the test and the results showed that it was more probable than possible our child would be born with Down syndrome, mental retardation, or some other developmental disability?  The answer for us was quick and not unlike any other loving and caring parent.  We would accept and love the child unconditionally regardless of any physical or mental disability, issues, or obstacles.  Together we agreed and consented to bring a human being into the world, and we accept all responsibilities that come with that child.      

Stay tuned for In the Beginning Part 3!