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[West Omaha] 

Daughter Opens Father’s Eyes

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June 2, 2010, at 07:00 AM

Larry Beightol with daughter Bailey. - Courtesy of Larry Beightol.

Larry Beightol with daughter Bailey.

Courtesy of Larry Beightol.

Larry Beightol is continuously amazed by daughter Bailey, diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

When baby Bailey was born six years ago to Larry and Buffy Beightol, it was readily apparent to the couple that they were the parents of a Down Syndrome child.

“We were overjoyed at the birth of our first baby,” said Larry, “but also filled with unexplainable emotions with the new knowledge of our infant having a disability.”

Though it was difficult becoming accustomed to the idea of her condition, Larry said Bailey has continuously opened his eyes to the world in ways only she can.

Another eye-opening experience has come from his involvement in Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome. It is there through the organization’s fellowship, programs and events that Larry has benefited from others who share ideas, tips and resources on parenting a child with Down Syndrome.

“I think men are different than women when it comes to opening up regarding their feelings,” the Eldorado resident said. “This is a group of men that share the same fears, concerns, joys, triumphs (and) letdowns.”

When not participating in Special Olympics, Larry said that kindergartener Bailey loves swimming and playing with her friends in the backyard.

Besides learning a lot from others, skills he now uses in working with the organization’s newer members, Larry has learned a lot about himself in the process.

“She is my first child and now that I have three, I have really learned how much love I have in my heart for them all.”

For more on Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, visit www.dadsomaha.org.

Tell us about what brings joy to your life. Contact the writer at west@metroneighborhoodnews.com.

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Comments

Sally,

Wonderful piece showing the love of a father for his children. Thank you so much for writing an article about Bailey and the blessing and joy a child with Down syndrome brings to a family.

Tony Bisignano
D.A.D.S. Omaha

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/02 at 08:48 PM

Thanks for being such an inspiration, Tony, and your group, members and children! And thanks for your support.
~Sally

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/03 at 07:58 PM

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