The father of a girl with Down syndrome recently shared the joy of having a daughter with the syndrome, prompting a slew of positive responses—including one from one of Hollywood’s most famous actors.
Jason Kneen of the United Kingdom posted a picture on Twitter of his smiling daughter, who has Down syndrome.
Noting that a number of prospective parents wonder what it would be like to have a child who has the syndrome, Kneen wrote that it would be like “this. 100 percent this.”
The picture sparked an overwhelming reaction, prompting Kneen to add more.
“My child has Down’s Syndrome, what should I expect?”
This. 100% this. pic.twitter.com/vo0Bu0Eoxp
— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 21, 2019
Also expect this!#wouldntchangeathing pic.twitter.com/t7yBQKRNlV
— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 22, 2019
“Also expect this! (wouldn’t change a thing),” he wrote, sharing four more pictures of his girl.
After the new pictures sparked a fresh series of reactions, Kneen wrote: “I was totally NOT ready for a child like Rosie. It was a shock when she was born and I’m ashamed to say I didn’t take it well initially.”
“Part of that was the matter-of-fact process that happens where you’re bombarded with documentation and booklets and basically ‘manuals’ on ‘what’s wrong and going to go wrong with your child,'” he added. “It’s devastating to hear how your child’s life has already been predicted and mapped out. All children are different—how can ANYONE predict their future?”
It’s devastating to hear how your child’s life has already been predicted and mapped out. All children are different — how can ANYONE predict their future?
4/12 pic.twitter.com/obEDphXtFS
— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 22, 2019
“Quickly I realized that ANY child can be slow to talk; slow to walk; have learning difficulties, and ANY child can be brilliant and wonderful and amazing,” he said.
Rosie had health problems and had to go to the hospital when she was a toddler. Because his wife had to take care of their newborn baby, Kneen stayed with Rosie.
“Rosie I and became thick as thieves over that time and watched Moana together many times and EVERY SINGLE DAY—thanks @TheRock for teaching me all the songs :)—Rosie was so brave and so strong,” he wrote.
Rosie I and became thick as thieves over that time and watched Moana together many times and EVERY SINGLE DAY — thanks @TheRock for teaching me all the songs 🙂 — Rosie was so brave, and so strong.
This is her, with assisted oxygen, watching Moana.
9/12 pic.twitter.com/H9e5tNuDF8
— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 22, 2019
Look at this lovely cookie. Stay strong Rosie! Uncle Maui loves ya????
What can I saaaaayy except you’re welcome ???? https://t.co/C9kuzPfCKQ— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 23, 2019
Kneen shared four more pictures showing Rosie in the present day and said the health problems are gone. “A year later and we had our Christmas at home and together and she continues to enjoy life, every day and reminds us and ME how fun it all is,” he said.
In response, Johnson shared Kneen’s post about watching ‘Moana,” which he was a voice actor for, and said: “Look at this lovely cookie. Stay strong Rosie! Uncle Maui loves ya.”
“What can I say except you’re welcome,” he added.
