Aeden's Family

Ours is a story of love, loss, and change of plans. It is a story that involves sorrow, but not regret.

The journey that has brought us to Aeden's adoption began with our son's, Titus's, passing March 11, 2011. Titus Gershom, "protector in exile", was born prematurely at 21 weeks of pregnancy due to a flaw in my uterus. As a result of understanding this flaw, we were able to take precautions that allowed me to carry little sister Faith, to term.

As Faith grew and developed, she introduced us to the weird and wonderful world of special needs, and we have been forever changed. Faith is developmentally delayed and autistic.We have grown as people, as a couple, and as a family. We are more understanding, more patient, and less judgemental of other parents, for starters.

As we considered how to grow our family, we knew that adoption was the way forward, but WHO would join our family through adoption took shape directly because of Faith's disabilities. We came to realize that another child with special needs would be the best fit for us, and allow space for each person to grow optimally. Thus we decided to pursue domestic Down syndrome adoption through the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network.

From making the decision to adopt a baby with Down syndrome to holding Aeden in our arms took almost exactly two years. It was not an easy path, but it was easily one of the best decisions we have made for our family.

Thank you, Titus, for being the first, the one who had to die to allow your siblings to join our family. Thank you for starting us on the path that led us to our sweet son, Aeden. We are forever grateful for your protection and sacrifice. We will never forget you!

December 2021

Aeden is doing well and is a happy boy. We love him so much.

January 2024

Aeden had a wonderful birthday. We purchased him this small version recliner and boy does he love it.