First, I want to say Thank YOU to each and everyone one of you guys for answering my question. Some of you are parents who have a child with Down syndrome and some don't. I guess it really doesn't matter, because the answers you gave were in support and acknowledgment that Down syndrome does NOT equal suffering.
To respond to my own question I would probably begin by standing on the tallest mountain screaming to the top of my lungs, "My daughter has Down syndrome! She is happy, moody, and a lot of fun! She has Down syndrome, not an affliction! AND SHE IS DEFINITELY NOT SUFFERING!"
Is that clear enough?
OK, really. This is all coming from some articles and blog sites who view Down syndrome as a form of suffering. In all honesty, how do you tell them that being different does not mean suffering? Truly, if that were the case, I would be suffering daily. I don't fit into that mold of being perfect. I'm fat. I'm short. I am half Korean and half Black, not even one solid race. I must be suffering...right?
But maybe, those who think that Lillian is suffering is only wishing it were true. They could be the ones who are truly suffering because they know they aren't perfect. They see flaws in themselves that they can't fix and it caused them suffering. Surely, though this kind of suffering is more emotional than physical. And that can be changed. Emotional suffering can be healed, even the physical.
I do know for sure, that I can't change the fact that Lillian has Down syndrome. I won't ask GOD to fix her because I know she if perfect, his gift from him to us. But I can guarantee that she is not suffering and in any pain. I wouldn't allow that to happen. Not to her. Not to her brother and sister.
