A baby… A gift…

By DCH | May 14, 2008
Filed Under Conservative, Person of the Week, Republicans |

In a culture where babies are treated as accessories and where some choices are more acceptable than others, it’s nice to have some wonderful news to share with you:

Announcing
the birth of Trig Paxson Van Palin

Courageous parents make the choice to give life to a baby under difficult circumstances regularly. But Sarah Palin is both mom and Governor of Alaska. She is also frequently mentioned as a potential VP candidate. She’s a woman who many would see as “having it all” and yet she clearly knows that it’s not all about her.

Parents who welcome a baby with Down’s Syndrome commit to a life-time of parenting with countless struggles and joys which the rest of us will never fully appreciate.

There are no shortage of reasons why politicians are often considered shallow and narcissistic. Not so the Governor of Alaska. Sarah Palin has been noticed for her intrepid character on more than one occasion. As she and her husband have welcomed baby Trig, they have displayed a quiet depth and generosity. In their home, Trig will join his brother and sisters in being loved essentially rather than pragmatically - for who they are rather than what they can do or how they make their parents look in public. Their choice displays a commitment to their “pro-life” beliefs which far exceeds any political statement.

Send the newest mama Governor your personal congrats here!

A friend of mine is an excellent woman of amazing character. KV is a very experienced mother - intelligent, passionate and wise. A few years ago, she became pregnant. During a routine exam, the doctors found that her son had a genetic abnormality which would make it impossible for him to survive for very long outside of the womb. They advised abortion. So did many members of KV’s family. Even after several years, the pain is evident in my friend’s eyes when she speaks of the rejection she experienced from medical professionals and relatives and friends. Why did they reject her? Why the hurtful words? Because she chose to carry her baby knowing that — apart from a miracle — he would die minutes (or perhaps hours) after birth. Her life-affirming choice was not acceptable to them. For KV, baby D will always be a gift and she will always cherish the opportunity she had to hold him for a few precious hours as she gave him back to God. I attended D’s funeral. What a celebration of life it was!

What made his life worth celebrating? Or was my friend silly for putting herself through months of pregnancy and an emotional parting for an infant who would never appreciate her efforts and who cost thousands upon thousands of dollars during his short appearance here?

What about Governor Palin’s choice? Is Trig Paxson a more valuable human than the Down’s Syndrome children who were aborted this year? Is he somehow less valuable than children who might be able to command a higher salary when they are grown?

Congratulations, Governor Palin. Your son is beautiful and your example is inspiring.

Comments

4 Responses to “A baby… A gift…”

Chris Winslow on May 14th, 2008 8:49 am

I have a relative with Downs and she has brought a lot of joy into our lives. God is good.
DCH on May 14th, 2008 11:15 am

I have heard that something like 80% of baby’s with Downs Syndrome are aborted. I too have a relative with Downs — she was born before Roe and she is much loved in our extended family.
Lee Talley on May 14th, 2008 12:43 pm

McCain needs to pick her to be VP. She’s the anti-Hillary.
DCH on May 14th, 2008 1:02 pm

I understand she has an approval rating in the 90’s — making her the most popular governor in America!