In an era when all too often fathers abandon their children – it is heartwarming to read about a selfless father who is committed to love and care for his son despite the challenges a special needs child presents.
father and son downs syndrome(Via ABC News) After a new father refused to give up his newborn son, born with Down syndrome, the mother left both of them. Now the father needs a lot of help.
According to ABC News, Samuel Forrest of Armenia was waiting outside of his wife’s hospital room as she was giving birth when he first heard his newborn son’s cries.
“This pediatrician walks out of the room with a little bundle — that was Leo,” Forrest said. “She had his face covered up and hospital authorities wouldn’t let me see him or my wife. When the doctor came out, he said ‘there’s a real problem with your son.’
Forrest was told that Leo was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Despite initial shock, Forrest was not deterred from loving his son.
When Forrest walked back into his wife’s hospital room, Leo in his arms, his wife gave him an ultimatum: if he chose to keep the baby, she would divorce him.
Despite his wife’s warnings, Forrest decided he wanted to keep Leo. One week later, Leo’s mother filed for divorce.
Forrest says he plans to move back to his native New Zealand where he will receive loving support from family there.
Though this plan has one small hitch: Forrest is not that well off alone, and now he needs to provide for two. (read more)

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