He Snaps Photo of Brother with Down Syndrome Moment He Holds Niece Very First Time
Physical affection is vital for early childhood development. Holding a baby can positively satisfy the need for physical connection and emotional attachment for both the one holding and the one being held.
Daniel Throop, 20, has Down syndrome. The genetic disorder has presented unique challenges for him regarding his opportunity to give and receive the physical affection we all need.
His brother, Kevin Throop, shared with CafeMom an observation about Daniel.
“When he was younger I think it was easier for people to show him affection, but now that he is older he is a child trapped in a man’s body and I think this changed people’s perception.”
Daniel traveled to New Guinea with his parents. While they were away, Kevin and his wife experienced the birth of their daughter Maysen Ava.
She was three months old by the time Uncle Daniel and her grandparents were able to meet her.
They all got together once the family members who were in New Guinea came back to California.
Daniel was frustrated he wasn’t part of the adult conversation. Kevin took it as a sign that his brother needed “some love” when he was hugged by Daniel eight times in the span of 10 minutes.
“My brother was feeling ignored that day because he couldn’t join the adult conversation,” Kevin tells CafeMom. But he had an idea.
Kevin had the perfect solution. After all, Daniel still hadn’t held his niece yet.
Maysen Ava was placed in Daniel’s arms. Kevin posted two photos on Reddit that were taken while the delighted uncle held the 3-month-old.
My brother is a low functioning downsie. He used to love to hold babies but it’s rare someone let’s him now. My wife and I let him hold our baby today and here is his look when we gave her to him and then the way he held her without movement for 5 minutes. I almost cried. 🙂 from aww
“He used to love to hold babies but it’s rare that someone lets him now.
“My wife and I let him hold our baby today and here is his look when we gave her to him and then the way he held her without movement for 5 minutes,” he wrote.
Kevin concluded the post with: “I almost cried.” I could almost cry just imaging Daniel cherishing that time with his niece for five minutes straight!
“I hope people learn that individuals with DS give the purest type of love,” said Kevin. “All the kid wanted was to hold and be held. A really simple thing.”
It looks like Daniel is quite the baby whisperer. I’m sure there will plenty more of these moments to come.
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