When Jeff was born in 1979, I was devastated; I felt like part of my life was over. All I could see was his diagnosis, not his potential to touch the deepest parts of his dad. He has taught me so much about love, patience, perseverance and the things in life that really matter. Jeff is an indispensable member of our family. He has a great sense of humor with unbelievable compassion, empathy and insight. In our family’s worst moments, he is always at his best—saying just the right thing to comfort and heal.

I stood backstage overwhelmed with emotion as my son with Down syndrome, who was 23 at the time, stood on a stage and received a standing ovation from over 4,000 Young Life Leaders. I remember watching in tears thinking 'Gosh, I wish I knew about this moment when Jeffrey was born.'

In fact, there is so much I wish I would have known when I got his Down syndrome diagnosis. I wish I would have known he would bring the house down in Orlando.