Makhosi Michaela’s Story

Born March 21 2023, her Down Syndrome Diagnosis was confirmed at birth. Makhosi is a Ndebele/Zulu name from Zimbabwe in Southern Africa, and it means Princess or One Who Is Royal. Michaela Is a Hebrew name and it is the female equivalent of Michael, which means One Who is Like God. Very early during the pregnancy as we prayed over our daughter we always had an unshakeable sense that she would have a strong and clear purpose in her life and that God would use her mightily to do great things.

We didn’t know what exactly at the time, we were just sure God would. Only after her birth did we realize that March 21 is also World Down Syndrome day, which to us was almost a further confirmation that her condition was not a mistake or an error but it was all part of God’s plan all along. She was originally scheduled to be born on April 10th, but ended up being scheduled for an early delivery at 37 weeks. on Monday 20th March and by God’s grace ended up arriving right on time. Althought she was born very small and premature at 5lb, 09oz, she was born healthy and strong despite her diagnosis, we were only in hospital for the usual 3 days. Makhosi was born without all the physical indicators usually identified in down syndrome children, but the condition was confirmed through blood tests. The biggest concern we had was the fact that her heart did show 2 small holes that had not closed yet, and would need to be monitored closely over her first 2 years of life. Apart from that we

Despite all the stress of receiving the diagnosis we quickly embraced the news and after a few days of crying and mourning what we thought was supposed to be normal we picked up and decided to look forward with positive eyes. Most of the fear in those early days came from a lack of knowledge and a fear of the unknown. Im they type of person who ggets anxious in vacuumes of information, so the more knowledge we gained to equip ourselves for this journey ahead the better and more confident i felt that we can do this and this may not be what we planned but if it is what God had in mind then He would also equip us adequately for the task at hand.

In those early weeks we didn’t spend much time feeling sorry for ourselves we started to ask God what the plan was and we believe He soon reveled His divine purpose for allowing us to be blessed with Makhosi Michaela. purpose. I am originally from Zimbabwe, Africa and the challenge we find is that whilst the parents of children with Down Syndrome here in the US find it a true challenge to walk this journey the good thing is here in the US there are adequate services available for these children

She was also born with 2 open holes in her heart, and