I Love Every Chromosome- Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted: 6 years ago

I Love Every Chromosome- Down Syndrome Awareness Month

I love every chromosome. I do.

Years ago, I would have thought someone was painting their reality with those pretty words to convince themselves that Down syndrome was a good thing. But today, I can confidently tell you- I love every chromosome that make up my child.

What this parent wants you to know for Down Syndrome Awareness Month is this: a different life is not a less than life. Our kids are not living some sort of half-life and neither are we.

Our kids are not angels, but they have the potential to move mountains. They are not here to teach you or us a lesson, but through them we can learn.

Our kids have their own lives to live, let them live them well. Don’t leave them out, include them. Give them the dignity of trying. They may surprise you, as they have certainly surprised their parents along the way.

Their lives may not always be easy, but they can be, oh, so good. A good life is one of love and purpose, and they have given us both. We hope they find both along their way.

I love every chromosome. Really, I do.

Jillian Benfield

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The Gift of the Unexpected

What if the unexpected is the beginning of becoming your truest self?

Jillian Benfield was living life in the spotlight as a TV journalist, but after receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her unborn son, she realized no camera-ready outfit could dress up her grief. Overcoming this unexpected circumstance wasn’t an option. She would have to undergo it instead. In doing so, she discovered who she was and who God wanted her to become.

In this riveting story filled with grit and grace, Jillian helps you break down the false constructs you’ve built around God and your identity. You won’t avoid your pain, but you’ll learn to feel it, in a healing way. And you’ll discover how your internal transformation leads to external purpose.

No matter what you’re going through, you’re invited to open this gift: The Gift of the Unexpected

The book is available on