Chapters of Change: "And We’re Testing Your Son for Down Syndrome”

The Journey from Diagnosis to Living Joyfully: A Mother’s Memoir By Kathy Woodard Jutte

BY DEBRA BADER

One falls in love with the focus of this beautiful story on the very first page. A “Gift of God” is in a photograph revealing his handsomely formed face with a pleasant smile. The birth of a baby brings on quite an array of emotions for its mommy. For this mommy, God had already started preparing her for motherhood of her son with Down syndrome through her experience of teaching students with special needs. Mom, turned author, takes us on her roller coaster ride of emotions from the time her son, Matt, is born until his demise.

One falls in love with the focus of this beautiful story on the very first page. A “Gift of God” is in a photograph revealing his handsomely formed face with a pleasant smile. The birth of a baby brings on quite an array of emotions for its mommy. For this mommy, God had already started preparing her for motherhood of her son with Down syndrome through her experience of teaching students with special needs. Mom, turned author, takes us on her roller coaster ride of emotions from the time her son, Matt, is born until his demise.

Jutte begins by explaining the daily challenges that come with the birth of her infant with Down syndrome. Even though this was her second child, it was her first born with special needs.

Therefore, there would be sacrifices ahead for the family. As any parent of a child with developmental disabilities can attest, the role comes with another seemingly full time job. Not only are the parents trying to keep their own careers and health in balance, there are a variety of medical and therapeutic appointments prescribed or recommended for their infant. Then, there is the ongoing discernment of these specialists. “You want to make sure what they are saying is really true” Says Jutte.

Throughout this oscillating narrative, the author provides testimonies of how her family’s faith and rituals helped them stay positive. With the help of good friends and family, Matt prepared for and received his sacraments of first communion and confirmation just like the rest of his Catholic family. (Catholics are baptized soon after birth.) Their faith helped them know Matt was truly a “Gift of God.”

The author does an excellent job of giving the reader information and cites resources about Down syndrome throughout the story. Here are just a couple of examples:

“Research has shown that sign language is beneficial to babies, especially children with Down syndrome.”

“Down syndrome leaves people with an increased risk of some medical conditions. These conditions include congenital heart defects, respiratory issues, hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, leukemia and thyroid disorders…..”

“And We’re Testing Your Son for Down Syndrome” The Journey from Diagnosis to Living Joyfully: A Mother’s Memoir is a wonderful short story that anyone who knows someone with Down syndrome would surely enjoy. Parents of a child with Down syndrome will especially savor it. In reality, any family with a child with special needs would benefit from reading about the struggles and sweet times of the Jutte family. Kathy Jutte gives us a gift by sharing so much of her heart and her son.

This book was given to me to read by my good friend, Shirley Ketron. She is also a good friend of the author Kathy Jutte. Shirley is the mother of Tori who is a part of Matt’s story. Tori and my daughter have participated in Special Olympics together for over a decade. Therefore, we had often heard little tales of Matt Jutte. Being somewhat aware of Matt’s spirit from witnessing the sparkle in Tori’s eyes when Matt was mentioned in casual conversation, I was more than eager to read his story. It did not disappoint!

An autographed copy can be acquired by emailing the author, Kathy Jutte at: teachjutte@hotmail.com