Stay. Stand. Love.

To the New Dad: Stay, Stand, Love

To the new dad reading this: your child, born with Down syndrome, is looking at you with trust, curiosity, and love. Every blink, every tiny grasp, every smile is their way of saying, “I need you. I see you. I believe in you.”

Stay. Stand. Love. Because nothing your child will ever need is greater than the gift of you being there.

Being present isn’t always easy. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt may weigh on your shoulders. You might wonder if you’re ready for a life that looks different than you imagined. But here’s the truth: your presence is powerful. Every hug, every laugh, every shared moment is more than a memory—it’s a foundation. A foundation of trust, security, and unconditional love that will carry your child through life.

Love like this doesn’t just support your child—it transforms your entire family. It teaches resilience, joy, and the beauty of seeing the world through a lens of possibility. When you choose to stay, you’re not just choosing your child—you’re choosing courage, hope, and a life richer than you ever dreamed.

Your child’s diagnosis does not define them. It does not limit the love, the laughter, or the dreams you can share together. What defines them is your presence—steady, unwavering, and full of heart.

So, to every new dad reading this: stay. Stand. Love. The moments may be small, but the impact lasts a lifetime. And one day, you’ll look back and realize that choosing to stay was the bravest, most rewarding decision you ever made.

Provenance:

Artwork of Ryder Gronhoff (2DS) and his wonderful parents, created by Ela and Larry Hersberger in May, 2025 in FL as part of the Don't Fear Me campaign.