Dad’s letter to his daughter with Down Syndrome on her wedding day goes viral
The TODAY Show sparked an outpouring of celebration when it posed a photo to its Facebook page on April 14. The photo showed Ryan and Jillian with their parents on their wedding day. Both Ryan and Jillian – who was smiling with the eternal smile of a joyful bride – have Down syndrome.
Paul, Jillian’s dad, shared a letter he had written to his daughter, and TODAY posted it for the whole world to see. The post already has more than 50,000 reactions, 5,700 shares, and 2,000 comments – many with parents celebrating the accomplishments and inherent beauty of their own children with Down syndrome.
In part, Paul wrote:
The response to Paul’s love-filled letter to his daughter was astounding, as parents poured out their own hearts.
One dad wrote: “Dear paul, youve just made a grown man cry with your letter to your daughter. My little girl mia is down syndrome also and i also hope she can achieve these dreams in her life, i know now her mum and i will do all we can to help her achieve these dreams.”
A mom with a young baby girl exclaimed: “Awww the tears of happiness r just streaming down my face OMG I sooo hope this happens with our precious Scarlett???!!! You have given me lots of hope!!!??????oxo!!!”
Another mom explained: “This letter said what I have been feeling, it made me cry and that’s something I don’t do well. I push every day with my daughter, we were told she wouldn’t walk and many other things, but with years for physio and me being stubbon and determined, she walk and trys to run… the sky has no limit…”
Lea shared: “I hope my little girl is able to fulfill her hopes and dreams just as your beautiful daughter has done”
A very proud grandmother responded: “My little grandson Mark is 9 years old now, has Down Syndrome but has really beaten the odds in so many ways. He’s recently gotten into The Special Olympics for track. He’s quite a runner, winning medals, so proud to win one. He has no shortage of friends, he loves everyone and is one of the happiest kids I know. We know we’ve been blessed to have this beautiful child in our life. He’s taught us so much. He doesn’t know any limits.”
Bridget wrote: “Love people telling their stories of loved ones with downsydrome…hope my little Lewis finds someone too.”
One mom shared: “My little boy was born with Down Syndrome, I hope that he finds someone special like your daughter has!”
Others who responded to Paul’s letter and the picture of Jillian and Ryan agreed that we ought to celebrate the lives of all – including those who may be different than our wrong, ill-conceived ideas of “normal.”
Opinion·By Kristi Burton Brown
