Down’s Syndrome Children

I salute Cindy Trane Christeson and add a hearty “amen” to her Commentary, “A Child With Special Attributes” (Aug. 31). As a professional who has been privileged to work with children who have Down’s syndrome, I know some of the special joys these children can bring to their families and others.

Had Mark and Susan Robinson’s child been born “normal,” what guarantee would they have that at some point in his life, Brent would not take an “extensive, emotional toll” on his parents? What if, at 1, he contracted meningitis and became profoundly deaf, or if, at 2, he was hit by a car or swallowed poison and become less than “normal?”

What if, at 6, they discovered dyslexia, or if at 13 he overdosed and blew his mind but not his body? Write him off as if he never existed? What kind of love, responsibility and risk did they think parenthood entails? I hate to sound harsh--I cannot claim to understand the overwhelming feelings and obstacles with which the Robinsons must struggle. I grieve for their disappointment and anger, but I will rejoice with them, if they will allow themselves to see beyond bitterness and look to the thousands of courageous parents who have gone before them (and who will stand with them, if they will give them a chance).

There are parents who, although painfully inconvenienced, have chosen to delight in their children with Down’s syndrome--who are, after all, still children worthy of all the love and care we “less-than-perfect” parents can give.

MARY KATHLEEN KRATER

Laguna Niguel