A dad has shared a message about his daughter with Down syndrome that we all need to read.

British father, Jason Kneen, has shared a heartfelt and honest Twitter thread dedicated to his daughter Rosie.

Four-year-old Rosie was born with Down syndrome – a genetic disorder which causes developmental and intellectual delays – and while he now openly and wholeheartedly celebrates his daughter for who she is, Jason says he “didn’t take it well initially”.

Beginning his Twitter thread with the question, “My child has Down syndrome, what should I expect?” the father of five then shared an adorable photo of Rosie smiling, before explaining how he came to champion his daughter’s condition.

“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

“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,” he wrote.

“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’.

“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?”

He eventually realised any child could be slow in learning how to talk or walk, but also that “any child can be brilliant and wonderful and amazing”.

Sharing the turning point in his perception, Jason said just before Christmas in 2017, Rosie was hospitalised for a case of Bronchitis which lead to Pneumonia. As his wife was also nursing a newborn baby at the time, he stayed with Rosie in hospital and was able to witness her resilience, strength and bravery.

Just before Christmas 2017 she was taken into hospital again with the same, but that also turned into Pneumonia— @binkyboobar was with her for the first couple of days but we had a newborn baby and it wasn’t practical to have them all in hospital.

7/12 pic.twitter.com/uJudnEirjE

— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 22, 2019

“Rosie and I became thick as thieves over that time and watched Moana together many times and EVERY SINGLE DAY,” he wrote.

“She met Father Christmas, and the Salisbury football team and just powered through it — with all the injections and tests and cables and pipes etc. She was amazing and SO brave.

“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.”

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.

12/12 pic.twitter.com/7d4j2QCAPQ

— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 22, 2019

Since sharing his honest and heartfelt love letter to his daughter, hundreds of parents and relatives of people with Down syndrome have also come forward with their cherished memories and photos.

I share your Joy Jason and your initial pain. I too struggled initially (despite knowing in advance) yet my little superstar ended up being the youngest ever gymnast to represent GB at 3 years old. Achievement has no boundaries. Every day I feel blessed. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wKOtGCvrRa

— Marc Howens (@HowensL) February 23, 2019

Expect love ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bijQ2zA5eR

— Old Man Edge (@TaylorMoria) February 22, 2019

Mine too. She’s a huge inspiration! pic.twitter.com/11b4oWIuqs

— Neil Markham (@NeilMarkham1) February 23, 2019

Don’t forget to expect this too! pic.twitter.com/6g93g3X0tI

— 21 Together (@21_together1) February 22, 2019

Me and my big brother, the best Christmas suit ever pic.twitter.com/5BCH3a3vo6

— chris yates (@chrisyates4) February 22, 2019

Expect joy. Expect love. pic.twitter.com/uqC3U9PL1Z

— Lazlo Carreidas (@LazloCarreidas) February 22, 2019

Expect a lifetime of fun and love! My bro is 53 this year!! pic.twitter.com/xct3B2cRH0

— E. (@EAKirkCuomo) February 22, 2019

Expect renewed perspective every day. And a lot of joy! pic.twitter.com/aW8fvygKan

— Phil Stout (@Phillip_Stout) February 23, 2019

Expect this…l along with lots of love and plenty of sass. Thank you for the beautiful thread, I couldn’t agree more!❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/KSXEL8N28J

— Patti Silva (@cakes_silva) February 23, 2019

What did you think of Jason’s Twitter post? Can you relate? Tell us in a comment below.

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