The universe appears to put us to the test at times. When we look back, we see that these moments of fear and self-doubt were actually a blessing. And this is exactly what happened to the Moodys. When Whittney and Michael learned that their third child was born with Down syndrome, they were overwhelmed by the news. But their fear soon turned into pure joy and unconditional love, which had a significant impact on their family’s future!!
Whitney had always wanted to adopt. She even told her parents about it when she was in elementary school. She met her future husband, Michael, in middle school when she was a young girl. Their love grew stronger over time, and they married shortly before graduating from college. They both desired to have a family of three biological children before adopting a fourth child.
They had a daughter, Mikayla, and a son, MT, during their first three years of marriage. Following that, the couple went through a difficult period, suffering through miscarriages and fertility treatments. They eventually decided against having a third child. This is why they were completely taken aback when they found out they were expecting in 2012. The pregnancy was deemed high-risk and required close monitoring. And it was at 35 weeks that baby Jude entered the world. The couple’s little boy had Down syndrome, according to the pediatrician.
Whittney was prepared to hear this and had already researched the condition prior to the delivery, but when she received the news, she was overcome with fear.
Whittney realized over time what a blessing and true gift her little Jude was. The family also adjusted and began to feel at ease with their “new normal,” as Michael referred to it. They even became determined to raise disability awareness and reduce the stigma associated with it. On World Down Syndrome Day, they held a 5k race called Jogging for Jude to raise funds for families of children with special needs who are facing medical challenges.
Jude was doing well for a two-and-a-half-year-old. He was crawling and communicating through sign language, so his parents decided to pursue their dream of adopting a fourth child. And, despite never having considered it before, the couple was now considering adopting a child with special needs. All of this was possible because of Jude, who changed their lives and hearts. And then, one day, Whittney saw Max’s picture and bio on Facebook, and she knew he was her fourth child. Of course, the family was well aware that raising another special needs child would be difficult, but they were determined to succeed.
After 13 months of searching, the couple traveled to China to bring Max home. Despite the fact that he was in a new family and culture, Max adjusted quickly and was able to bond with his parents, siblings, and, of course, Jude. The two brothers, who are only three months apart in age, are best friends. Max is described as “a born performer with killer dance moves,” and Jude is described as “a natural artist who loves to paint, draw, and sing.” There doesn’t appear to be a dull moment in this lovely family!
The mother of four stated that Max and Jude “were truly meant to be brothers.” The contented mother explains that her two young children “have a way of communicating with each other and love to wrestle and make each other laugh.” Her boys, she adds, do not limit the family in any way. And the family is still able to do all of the things they enjoyed before having two Down syndrome sons. Whittney said of Mikayla and MT, “They have grown so much being Max and Jude’s older sister and brother.” They’ve learned to be compassionate and tolerable.” “The love of these four siblings is incredible and deep,” she added. What are your thoughts on the Moodys’ journey?