By the Waters of Babylon: The experience of having a Down's syndrome child

The self-esteem of a parent is dealt a terrible blow by the birth of a mentally retarded child. The dreams for self, which are woven into the dreams for the child, are shattered by the reality of the mental handicap. Therefore, the values, goals, and assumptions which previously held the fabric of life together may now be thrown into question. It is a time of emotional upheaval. It is a time of grief. It is a time of isolation and loneliness. This article is an interior view of the author's own experience of having a Down's syndrome child, as he struggled with the issues of grief, rejection and faith.This article was written as an autobiographical chapter in a graduate research project submitted for the Th.M. program in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia. The project dealt with the experience of having a mentally retarded child, in which fifteen parents of Down's syndrome children were interviewed and questioned. Since the completion of that program the author has moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he serves as pastor of Forrest Avenue United Methodist Church. All inquiries should be addressed to The Rev. James L. Philpott, 2531 Avalon Circle, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37415.