Many times in life, parents are faced with impossible decisions. When it comes to raising our children, we often want to retreat in the face of struggles. However, many parents know that once you see your child, the choice is simple: Stay. Regardless of the journeys that they will face and the obstacles that may come about, many parents decide that staying in that child's life is more beneficial for them overall.
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Dad Raises Son With Down Syndrome Alone After Wife Wanted To Give The Child Up
One obstacle that some children face is a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Unsplash | Nathan Anderson
According to statistics, each year about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome, which is about one in every 700 babies. Many times, prenatal genetic testing doesn't necessarily indicate this condition before a baby is born.
Some parents find the diagnosis of Down syndrome hard to handle.
Unsplash | Nathan Anderson
Many children with Down syndrome face mighty challenges and obstacles. However, many children with Down syndrome are also extraordinary individuals with beaming personalities who bring sunshine into the lives of others.
Misha happens to be one of those children.
Russian father, 33-year-old Evgeny Anisimov, chose to raise his son, Misha, on his own after his wife decided to leave their family, unable to cope with their son's diagnosis.
He learned about his son's diagnosis exactly one minute after his birth.
“I didn’t know what to do when I learned of the hypothesis that my son had Down syndrome. I thought my task now was to turn off emotions, ignite thoughts, support my wife because I believed it would be more difficult for her,” he told BoredPanda.
After learning about his son's condition, he left the hospital and cried. Later, however, he said he felt "ashamed" for crying, as nothing had really changed.
Ultimately, he said he realized that all that mattered was that his son was here, and from that moment he was determined to step up into his new role as a dad.
The new father decided to do a lot of research about children with Down syndrome in Europe.
"I learned that in Europe, people with Down syndrome are well-socialized, can live and work independently. But the decision I had already made was not influenced by that," he said.
The father knew that his parenting would not be swayed by what diagnosis his son was given.
His wife, however, had decided that she could not parent a child with Down syndrome.
The father said that he and his wife had a good marriage, but this challenge had driven them apart.
Eventually, the couple separated and Anisimov believes his wife was scared following their son's diagnosis.
Even though this family has experienced some hardships, Anisimov is dedicated to building a happy life for his son.
Anisimov has set up an Instagram account where he chronicles his life as a single dad and Misha's development. The account has over 33,000 followers from around the world.
Social media has made it possible for this dad to connect with other parents raising children who have Down syndrome.
He's been able to get some great tips and ideas for Misha, like this DIY busy board to help him with his motor skill development.
Like other parents around the world, Anisimov now has to deal with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he and Misha are staying happy and healthy by staying indoors. They spend their days playing with colorful toys, reading books, and safely going for walks when they can.
Thousands of people have read Anisimov and Misha's story and been touched by this father's love for his son.
Anisimov is humble and enjoys reading people's comments and advice that are shared on his Instagram page.
He's also used his social media account to highlight the stories of other families who are going through hard times.
Anisimov has used his growing social media audience to bring awareness to other families who could use some help. These families have experienced hardships like fertility struggles, infant loss, or the loss of a parent.
Anisimov wants to make sure that everyone knows he's not a hero, he's just human.
“This has changed my life. I had a good job in Moscow and this was a big turning point in my career, but I couldn’t leave my son. He needed love and warmth," he said.
And, he has some words of wisdom for other parents who are going through similar things.
"I hope that those who have difficulties now, as it was for us, read about us. Have no fear! Everything will be fine," he stated.
It sounds like this dad and his son are ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.
h/t: Bored Panda
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