Our Journey With Larsen

Anna Larsen Taylor, whom we call Larsen, was born July 1, 1991.  My wife Morgan and I had no pre-birth knowledge of her Downs Syndrome diagnosis. 

During her birth, complications with mom arose, and the doctors were focused on stabilizing her, as I watched with concern adjacent to the bed in the delivery room.  Stabilization was achieved, and we then realized that the nurses had quickly whisked Larsen away upon her birth.   Morgan was moved to a private room, as we waited on the moment to meet our newborn daughter.

Five doctors, all in their white doctor coats, entered the room holding Larsen and announced, “Mr. & Mrs. Taylor, we have some very bad news for you”

They proceeded to explain Larsen’s diagnosis, with all the negative emphasis that a human being can possibly muster.  Their lack of compassion, and proper bedside manner, in retrospect, was appalling to both of us.

Fast forward to today, 34 years later, and we have a wonderful, artistic, personable and funny daughter, that is the highlight of my life, and frankly the glue that holds our family together. I wish I could encounter those five doctors today and reply, “If you have any more bad news, please bring it on, the ‘very bad news’ you announced was the best blessing I could have ever imagined”.

Our journey with Larsen has not been without struggles, and at times heartbreak, but I testify today that the Lord knew exactly what I needed in a daughter and graciously delivered it to me in the personality of Larsen.

Perhaps like you, we have learned as we go through life with Larsen, somewhat of an On-the-Job Training.  But during this 34-year time, I have learned what is available, and possible to obtain, forms of assistance from both the State and Federal level programs for individuals with special needs.  That experience and guidance, which I have referred to on the website as “Wisdom”, is what I am offering you, if you are desirous of partnering with Trusted. I would love to explore your thoughts and help with your questions if given the opportunity.