Debbie Williams

I am a parent of a Young adult, with Down syndrome. raising my daughter with a disability has become my life work. every need and care is a major responsibility, and not to be taken lightly. i don't know of others who decisions disconnected the relationship with daughter/son and do not judge anyones decision. I can only tell you about mine. When Iszora was born I was told that something was wrong but they were not sure what . the Hospital sent blood specimans to Yale for extensive testing and sent me home.I prayed for all results to be negative finding nothing wrong with my baby.

I waited two long weeks that seemed endless to hear that they found one extra chromosome Iszora was diagnosed with downs syndrome.In my heart I know i asked the lord for a little girl and he answered by giving me a Special one .sometime we don't understand the reason for things happening the way they do but we must not challenge it but believe that the Lord knows why he gives us special gifts.I will not tell you that it was easy and i didn't struggled cry and pray for help because i did. At one point I lost my job of 16 years after getting hurt loosing my means of supporting Iszora and myself.

I had to swallow my pride and except help from the state and eat out of the city's food pantry, until I was able to search for a job that would pay enough salary to cover rent ,bills, and daycare for my daughter. I held many positions along the way emissions inspector, us airway booking agent, casino slot attendant, these jobs closed down and other it was too much time away from my daughter and the care I needed to give her. so I had to make the decsion to return home while sitting home decided to attend college as a way to get a better job.

i wasn't able to finish because i was also caring my disabled mother While attending collegeI met a classmate who directed me to a city job as a paraprofessional taking care of Special Children and Young Adults I have been employed for the city since 1998, and worked with children having difficulties in their learning process what i have brought is my knowledge of caring for special children the patience the care and the love of what i do which has enriched me in ways that i would have never know if not being chosen to have special child and the ability to teach special children. I have become an advocate for single parents rasing special children