HIS WIFE WANTED TO GAVE AWAY THEIR SON, WHO WAS BORN WITH DOWN SYNDROME, FATHER REFUSED TO LEAVE HIS SON
The Russian father, 33-year-old Evgeny Anisimov, had refused to give away his son, Misha, who was born with Down Syndrome, when the mother of his child wanted to give him to adoption.
After the birth of their son, the doctors had stated to parents, “I fear that your baby has Down Syndrome”
The father had talked to Bored Panda, he stated, “I didn’t know what to do when I learned of the hypothesis that my son had Down Syndrome. I thought my task now was to turn off emotions, ignite thoughts, support my wife because I believed it would be more difficult for her.”
“The results of the analysis we were promised in a few days, and until then, I decided not to say anything to her.”
“I remember that upon learning that my son has Down Syndrome, I left the hospital and cried, but not for long. Later, I was a little embarrassed by these tears. In my life, after all, nothing had changed, in general.” said Evgeny.
“I was still with two arms, with two legs, my professional knowledge had gone nowhere. My determination, activity, curiosity, and so on—everything was with me. Everything happened as I planned, my son was born.” Evgeny continued.
“But the child is special, his life and future destiny are already very significant. And I’m roaring here! This is some kind of selfishness! Is it not fair? No, it is my responsibility. You did not have an amniocentesis—it is clear that the probability was low, but still. You wanted a child, so you took responsibility for it. After all, there are many options: autism, cerebral palsy, genetic mutations … And Down Syndrome is not the worst, as I learned later.”
Then he had searched the internet, to learn how to raise his son, who was born with Down Syndrome. “I learned that in Europe, people with Down Syndrome are well-socialized, can live and work independently,”
“But the decision I had already made was not influenced by that.”
“At no time did I think of leaving my son in an orphanage, that would be inhumane,” Evgeny said. Then he separated his way with his wife, as he dedicated his life to his son, Misha.
“When a child is born, he asks the outside world: ‘Am I needed here or not?’ And I answer with certainty: ‘Son, you are needed!’ Being with him, even alone, is a normal act for a normal man. I emphasize—I am a normal man, not some kind of hero.”
“I want all the articles about Mishka and me that are being published now to convey that idea to society and instill it. And I also want to support, inspire with my example those people who are or will be in the same situation as me. I try to communicate with those who are within reach, I correspond with those who are far away. I hope that those who have difficulties now, as it was for us, read about us. Have no fear! Everything will be fine!” Evgeny said to Bored Panda, in his interview.
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