[Earl]

Ok, First off let me say that some things I will say in this post might offend some people. I don't mean to offend but hold my belief's very personal and passionate. If you dont' like them, please DONT tell me.

DW and I have a couple who are our best friends, we play cards and watch movies and eat together at least once a week. I officiated at their wedding last year and we have gotten very close.

They are 20 weeks pregnant. On Monday they had an ultra sound and genetic testing. They found the baby (boy by the way) has a very small spot on his heart that only 1% of normal babies have and 100% of babies with Down Syndrome have. They followed up that appointment yesterday with an appointment with the doctor and they have a 1 in 90 change the child has a rare heart defect that would not allow it to survive past birth or a few weeks...

MY DELEMA - I am 1000% against abortion. as a pastor and man of extreme faith it is God's decision and ONLY God's decision when to give and take a life.

They were told the only way to tell if it has this birth defect is an amnio. If they have an amnio they have a 40% chance of mis-carrying.

Prayers are urgently needed for this couple. they are in their 40's and this is their first child.

My DW mis-carried twice and always wanted children. If they abort this child I don't think my wife could stay friends.

so, that's about it. Thanks for your prayers.

[AfterMyNap]

Giving it up to God right now, Earl. This is a touchy subject from every angle except one. He'll handle it.

[Bannet]

I agree with AMN Earl. My thoughts and prayers go out to your friends.

I have a friend who has a downs syndrome child. He is the sweetest little boy who has a huge loving heart. He was definetely a gift from God.

I pray everything works out for them.

IMHO God usually gives special babies to special people.

[Kitty]

All we can do is let God handle it the way He intended. They are in my prayers.

[DejaVu]

prayers for this couple, their baby, and for you and your wife (as you walk beside them during this time).

I agree with Cindy (AMN) 1000%, as well.

This is something for Him to handle, along with the couple and child.

In my most humble opinion (and it is just an opinion), I 'll add this: our friends need us, and we need them, whether or not we always agree 100% with one another's beliefs/decisions. We all need each other!

[Twinkletoes]

How devastating for your friends, Earl.

The mother-to-be looked so happy at our Phoenix GTG. Hard to process news like that.

Life is such a wonderful gift. I pray the Lord will comfort them and guide them in their decisions.

Will you please give them my best regards, Earl?

[Chemar]

Earl
my prayers are lifted for this family and the precious life within, and also for you to be a source of continued encouragement to them

[watsonsh]

Earl, adding them to my prayers

[SandyC]

Sending up prayers for your friends. Try to support them in whatever decision they make. We wont always agree with our friends. If they are close to you both, let them make their decision without judgement. They told you this news because they trust you and your wife. I know that it's hard, but it's between between them and God.

[JustWeave]

Sending a prayer out now...