Twins with Down syndrome were born to Matt and Jodi Parry, surprising everyone. When they found out they were having twins, the couple was scared when the doctor apologized. But these girls turned out to be a wonderful blessing.
At first, Matt and Jodi had bleak expectations for their future when they met their twin daughters, Abigail and Isobel. Doctors warned them about the challenges of raising two children with special needs. Jodi was devastated upon hearing about the Down syndrome diagnosis, feeling like her heart had been ripped out. However, once the girls came home, it became clear that, aside from a few extra appointments, they were not much different from their sibling Finlay. They just took a bit longer to reach certain milestones.
Initially, they saw the diagnosis as a life sentence, but as the girls grew, Matt and Jodi realized how lucky they were to be their parents.
Jodi still wonders why the doctor said sorry before the twins were born and would like to show him Abigail and Isobel, asking why he apologized. The couple wouldn’t change their daughters for anything now.
When the girls turned four, they joined their older brother in mainstream school, which was an achievement they weren’t sure they could reach initially. This shows their growing understanding of Down syndrome and their mission to challenge misconceptions.
Matt and Jodi now advocate for other parents raising children with Down syndrome through their awareness campaign and resource website called Twincess. They proudly demonstrate what their daughters can do, focusing on their abilities rather than limitations.
The couple’s goal with Twincess is to show people who don’t have experience with Down syndrome what individuals with the condition are capable of.
Abigail and Isobel, the twins with Down syndrome, continue to grow and thrive. It’s clear that God had a purpose when he blessed Matt and Jodi with them. Matt and Jodi feel gratitude to God for creating their kids the way they are. Their family serves as a beautiful example, reminding us that all children, including Abigail and Isobel, are made in God’s image.
