In 2001 my wife was expecting our first child, along with our joy came the news that Abby had Down syndrome. I was immediately consumed with the thought of her future. Just four days after her birth we rushed her to the hospital where we spent the following four days in the I.C.U. It was there I realized that it didn't really matter to know it would take Abby a little longer to learn the things we sometimes take for granted. The only thought that really mattered was bringing Abby home. Days later someone said "she'll be a burden for the rest of your lives...you'll never accomplish anything..." For them it was the end, for us a new beginning with new challenges and uncertainty but above all we had faith, hope and unconditional love... When Abby was two years old, my wife gave birth to our second child. Upon leaving the hospital, we sat them together, Abby immediately wacked him twice and we had to separate them. Upon arriving home I placed Junior in Abby's crib, she then grabbed the sheet and was trying to pull him out. She realized she was no longer the center of attention. That evening I desperately ran to Walmart and found a crib that read "no tools required for assembly." On another occasion I was in bed and I began to snore, I then took a peek and observed Abby looking around as if to make sure no one was watching and she proceeded to cover my mouth. One day I was sitting at the kitchen table preparing her lunch. I had to barricade Abby in the kitchen. As I continued, she sat on the floor with opened arms. I kept saying, "un momento porfavor" to no avail. I had no choice but to sit her on the table in front of me. She began throwing little pieces of potato, left and right, when she was done, she went through my mail and did the same. By the time she was all said and done, I only had one concern. I hope I can clean up this mess before my wife returns. I guess she was right when she said one night "you let her get away with everything!" At the age of three I began to take Abby for a walk. In the beginning she would refuse sitting on the ground with her arms crossed. Today she enjoys walking and is able to do two miles per day. Abby also enjoys going to school, if she had it her way, she'd be going 365 days a year, rain or shine. Sometimes she teases me on the weekend repeating the word "school" many times. It may be true that children like Abby are different in some ways, it's also true, they are so much like the rest of the kids! My family and friends have always known Abby as the little girl with Down syndrome, my wife and I have always known her as Abigail our wonderful daughter. I am proud to say Abby is a happy and vibrant nine year old, who loves her family. She is truly a blessing!