Trisomy Rule Breaker
Today (3/18) is Trisomy 18 Awareness Day. This day is about honoring those who have a 3rd copy of chromosome 18. We stand to learn a great deal from these little ones. One thing, among many, is that their value is not measured by their usefulness, their achievements, or their contributions. Their value lies in who their Maker created them to be. It is a beautiful thing when they are treasured and loved unconditionally (even if they only live a few minutes).
Melody’s 10th birthday was definitely an opportunity to honor our sweet Trisomy 18 girl.
Sadly, Melody had a series of sicknesses leading up to her birthday. She seemed to be improving, but on her birthday, she spiked a fever and became very lethargic. We ended up taking her to the ER. They treated her well, and even gave her gifts in honor of her significant day.
Melody has an amazing ability to endear herself to everyone around her, even in her vulnerable times of sickness. It never ceases to amaze me. When the doctor figured out what was going on with Melody, he informed us that she could go home. The nurse cheerfully announced, “The happiest discharge ever!”
She had a miraculous recovery. We were so thankful when we realized that the birthday celebration could still happen a few days later!
And what a celebration it was! (See video recap at the bottom of this post.) When we lived in CO, all our friends knew her story. Since her story is new to our friends here, we thought we would create a fun way to impart understanding about her life. We made the Melody Trivia Game and told those attending that if they read her website, they would be more likely to succeed.😊 We were impressed with how diligently they got up to speed on her life!
We had special music, which was incredible! That was the perfect gift Melody’s sister and friends gave her, as she loves high quality music.
Melody was not supposed to survive the car ride home from the hospital 20 days after she was born. Yet, here she is a decade old! We are thankful to the Lord who is the Author and Sustainer of Life. We are grateful for the Lord’s grace to carry us through the ups and the downs of her life. We thank Him for His wisdom and direction for her at every turn. We appreciate that He has given us the gift of many people who value Melody’s life and have come alongside us, prayed for us, encouraged us, and contributed to Melody’s health and well-being.
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Comments 16
Hope – this is Melody’s gift to everyone, especially parents of children with her 3/18 diagnosis.
Thank you for sharing this triumph and wishing you the best year ever, Melody! Hold up ten fingers and smile!
Sweet Melody does cause one to have a ‘melody’ in my heart. What a lovely celebration and the photo of her and her friend hugging … very precious for all. We know our God is good all the time, and we are especially grateful for allowing us all (near and far) to be encouraged by His goodness and love through Melody (and her family) Lots of love & prayers,
The Lord’s blessing is upon you all and your family! We rejoice with you and have been blessed by knowing all of the family! At 80 years we look forward to seeing you all, and walking along especially with Melody in her truly restored life! Thanks for staying in touch with us.
With all our love and joy at having you dear folks in our lives,
Barb & Ken Brisco
What a beautiful celebration of Melody’s 10th birthday! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing this video and update with me. Melody has been a blessing in my life from the very first time I met her and I must add that that includes your entire family. You have all been a blessing to me. The Lord is generous And kind and all loving!
Happy Birthday, Melody!
What a beautiful day it was for you and your family and friends!
Love,
Tricia and Eric
Thank you for keeping me updated. She was is thriving!! PTL. Our youngest daughter just recently miscarried her lil 8 week old. She does have an 18 month old. But she really had a hard time. Has such a hard time getting Prego.
When did you move from CO…and where. I guess I missed something.
Blessings to everyone. Miss seeing you
Happy Birthday Sweet Melody,
Many Prayers for you and your sweet Family,
Love, joanie and jerry
Cannot believe we were out of town and missed this precious girl’s 10th birthday! So happy that Melody has decided to handle her life her way……ignoring all, so called, facts and figures! You are a true warrior little one! Keep amazing the world!
Double digits for our sweet Princess!!! Looks like it was a great celebration! Love you, Melody!!! ✨
Happy Birthday, dear Melody!
What a gift to have so many friends and family to celebrate the gift you are! I would have loved to join you!
May the favor of the Lord rest upon you and your family and give you joy and hope in the next year.
Hugs and kisses!
Lorrie, Angie and Amy
Praising God with you all for the blessing of Melody being added to your family and all of the praises that have resulted from answered prayers! Hope to see your family in person soon!
She is so beautiful. The Lord gave you a precious soul. Thank you so much for sending me these updates. Its a blessing seeing how she’s doing. What a fun game with your new friends. What a great idea.
Thank you so much for sending the update. We continue to rejoice with you in God’s faithfulness!
Happy birthday, Melody! Love your fans in Michigan! We follow your precious blogs and videos. Maybe someday you can meet our little MT18 Jemima. I think you two would be friends forever!!
Isn’t it amazing how God chooses children to honor and give glory to him!!!!
Happy Birthday, Melody! You are God’s gift wrapped up with that bow in your hair!