Society often pressures individuals to follow a traditional path: get a job, marry, and have children. For couples who choose not to have kids, intrusive questions and judgments often follow. Conversely, when couples with perceived differences decide to have children, opinions shift dramatically.

Over 20 years ago, Patti White from California was both thrilled and worried when her daughter, Lisa, announced her pregnancy. Lisa, who has Down syndrome, lived independently, worked full-time at Goodwill, and maintained a relationship with a man who also had Down syndrome. Experts claimed men with Down syndrome were sterile, so Lisa’s pregnancy came as a shock.

Criticism quickly followed, with many calling Lisa’s decision irresponsible. But her family stood by her. Lisa had a healthy pregnancy, gave birth to her son Nic, who also has Down syndrome, and raised him with her mother’s support.

Nic’s father passed away when he was five, but Lisa and Patti provided him with love and stability. Now 24, Nic is a college graduate who deeply admires his mother. “She gave me life, love, and everything,” he once said.

Despite societal doubts, Lisa proved that love, dedication, and family bonds matter more than public opinion.