Micah & Adrienne have been married for 6 years and parents of Mataya Joy (2), 1 in heaven, and their newest little blessing, Lydia.

This picture is the first time Mataya met Lydia at the hospital 🙂

Micah’s Story –

I have always been proud and a little overprotective of my family.  Ever since Bethany was born, that sensitivity to defend and protect has been heightened.  I tried to give people the benefit of the doubt when I would see people point and stare- but it never felt right.

I understand now because, before Bethany came into our lives, I was afraid to be around people with disabilities too!

I was more nervous and afraid about making a mistake and not knowing what to say, than just having them around.  Only after sharing my life and experiencing living with a wonderful sister with downs syndrome, did I find true acceptance and understanding and the love between a brother and a sister.

When I became older and started dating, I always looked for someone who showed Bethany the same love and respect that I showed her.  I met Adrienne (my then future wife) in high school and I knew she was not only the love of my life but a perfect fit for my whole family.  One of the things that struck me was how she interacted with Bethany.  She listened and interacted with her, even though her speech was difficult to decipher sometimes, she was loving and compassionate, and treated her like any other child.  She was as protective of Bethany as I was.  Bethany was one of our flower girls in our wedding and we love living in Lawrence so she can be a regular part of our life.  She calls us on the phone, (she has our numbers memorized), we go on Sonic dates, and she loves to stay all night with us.

As the years go by, my love and appreciation of Bethany has not changed, but my understanding of her disability has.  Early on, I assumed she was “less than” other people because of her downs syndrome and that she would always be in a position of learning from us.  As I see it now, she seems to be teaching me more about life, love, and perseverance than I could ever learn in a lifetime.  When I see her practice her reading, math, spelling, or cooking, or when she takes me by the hand and leads me to the couch to have me read her a story, I quickly find my life problems and challenges in college not so taxing or difficult.

 Bethany is truly an inspiration to Adrienne and I.  I feel honored that God chose her to be my sister and that I get to be her brother.  I know we are all fearfully and wonderfully made- but I can’t help but feeling-  “some” were made more wonderfully than others.