I Cried Almost The Whole Way Through
As a mother of not one, but TWO sons with Down syndrome, this movie touched me so very deeply. It gave me hope that one day my husband and I might be able to dance at our sons' weddings. Our boys are 11 and 5, so they're still young and, with early intervention and various other therapeutic and learning opportunities, our goal is that they will one day become contributing members of our community. We have given up the thought of grandchildren since the vast majority of adult males with Down syndrome are sterile* (I believe that there have only been two documented cases in recorded history of men with Down syndrome fathering children). It is our hope and prayer that our sons are blessed enough to find their "Monicas", and go on to live happily married lives; fulfilled, content, and NOT ALONE.
Monica and David are an inspiration to the Down syndrome community and others with developmental disabilities. Yes their life together will be challenging, but they've already overcome many obstacles and are still chugging along; living together and making a life for themselves with the help of their families. Many children with developmental disabilities outlive their parents and the thought that Monica and David will still have each other when their parents have passed on, should bring comfort to their families.
[*Females with DS are as fertile as typically-developing females and are capable of carrying and delivering children. Depending on the father, a mother with DS has a 50% chance of having a baby with the same genetic condition.]