MATTY MEADE was born on the longest day of the year... a day brimming with hope. It was an ordinary day like today, yet extraordinary, because while still in his mother's womb--- as Matty waited to cross the threshold to life --- a fierce thunderstorm broke out. Lightning flashed outside and thunder reverberated throughout the hospital. Lights flickered and rain lashed the window panes. But as Matty came out into the bright light of day, the storm abated as abruptly as it had begun, and sunshine broke through the clouds with a brilliance never before seen. Birds chirped and birdsong filled the air and mingled with Matty's shrill cries. Yes, it was both an ordinary and extraordinary day... a day like today, the day Matty Meade was born. Dr. Bolton approached the bedside and checked Millie's pulse against his timepiece. "You'll be hopping about in no time," he said to Millie. The good doctor pulled up a chair and sat right next to the bed. He fixed his eyes on Millie and took her hands in his. "Millie, I have something to tell you." His voice was calm, yet in Millie's ears it clashed like a thunderclap, for even though Millie was only fifteen years old, she was well-aware of what could happen when delivering a baby. Dr. Bolton hesitated, but quickly swallowed the dryness in his throat--- for he knew that it was cruel to keep her in suspense--- and said, "Millie, your baby has Down syndrome." Millie swallowed the lump her throat as tears welled in her eyes; she knew about Down syndrome from school, and the face of one of her schoolmates flashed before her eyes. "There's more," Dr. Bolton said. "The baby has a hole in his heart." This was the stark reality Millicent Meade faced on the first day of her new life. Learn what trials and tribulations await Millie and her grandparents while "RAISING MATTY MEADE".
