November 14, 1984

On November 14th, 1984, my life changed. Michael Jeffrey Stanford came into our lives and we learned all about Down Syndrome. It was not the happy times usually associated with a birth but he was part of our family and we were all going to learn together how to proceed into this new adventure. He was kind of scrawny and had a hole in his heart but all the love and perhaps some prayer soon resolved that problem.


At Christmas that year he was doing well but still looked small compared to the popular Cabbage Patch Dolls that Grandma Stanford managed to find for all the granddaughters.



By the fall of 1986 Mike was already dressed to support Ohio State although I think it may have been a hand me down from John's wardrobe of baby shower gifts.



On his 10th birthday he recieved a trip to New York City with Dad. The rest of the family joined them for Thanksgiving with the NY relatives. Grandpa Stanford managed to get us Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tickets and it will remain a family vacation highlight. This photo was taken before mom arrived. Part of the 10th birthday trip with Dad was to spend special time alone with Dad and see that Dads do things differently than moms.



A solo trip to Los Angeles some years later had him persuading Jessica to take him to see the Walk of the Stars. Does it surprise anyone that knows Mike whose star he got photographed with.



He loved being in John's wedding with Annal as best man and Mike as best brother. The toast he gave at the wedding was special.



But most of all Mike likes being photgraphed with pretty girls. Here he is with his cousin Christine at her wedding.



Somewhere in my writings I think there is a book of Mike stories that will get published but for now here's to Mike today! He is 24 and a very accomplished young man. Someday we will all be dancing at his wedding. (but not too soon)

Happy Birthday Mike!