TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
strong faith pulled us through when we just could not seem to understand everything we were feeling at the time.” Because children with Down syndrome are prone to an assortment of other health issues, the Lachowsky’s most immediate concerns revolved around making sure their daughter was thoroughly screened. Kristi recalled, “We had extensive lab work done and cardiology workups. Eventually, we were discharged home on day three and were instructed to follow up with a cardiologist. The next six months were stressful, and at times emotional, but also, they were times of such joy with our beautiful baby girl.” However, like 40-60 percent of all people with Down syndrome, Mallory fell into the category of those who have a congenital heart defect. So, at that six-month mark, she had open heart surgery. “Of course, we stressed and worried, but Mallory showed out and did awesome. We were at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for a week and then back home. She recovered fast and did well.” Children with Down syndrome also frequently have speech difficulties because of low muscle tone, so the Lachowskys started speech therapy for Mallory right away, and “though she is still difficult at times to understand,” Kristi joked, “the girl never misses a chance to talk now.” The Lachowsky family is a tight group of five, including Clint, who has worked for the Texarkana Texas Fire Department for 17 years and has co-owned Lach-On Construction for the last eight years. As a registered nurse, Kristi currently works for Precision Spine Care. The couple’s oldest daughter, Ally, is now ten years old and is a fifth grader at James Bowie
Mallory as a newborn
As with most life-altering developments, especially those that seem to come with no warning, initially it is hard to know how to feel. In the early days of Mallory’s life, there was a bit of soul searching required for Kristi and Clint, as they needed time to wrap their heads and hearts around the truth of their daughter’s unexpected condition. “Of course, the feelings we had immediately following Mallory’s birth were mostly negative, full of fear, anxiety, and questions about the unknown. We, as a family, did not know what to expect. None of us had ever been around someone with Down syndrome. I will say, for the first few months we felt all those emotions, but we also felt such love and protectiveness, and we were just 100% in love with this beautiful blessing God gave us,” Kristi said. “Family and friends were just as shocked as we were. Some would say to us they were ‘sorry,’ others would say, ‘it will be ok,’ but most just felt awkward, not knowing what to say. After the initial shock of her diagnosis, family and friends were very loving and accepting of her. As a matter of fact, our families’ and friends’
Schools. “Mallory’s relationship with my oldest daughter is a strong bond,” Kristi said. “Through Mallory, she has learned what loving and accepting others is all about. She is very protective of Mallory and is such an awesome big sister.” Since Mallory’s birth, the family has grown by one more when little brother Daniel, now three years old, was added to the mix. “Mallory’s relationship with my youngest, Daniel, is fun to watch. He does not know she is different; therefore, he does not cut her any slack in their sibling fights. They are very close and love to get into everything together. I would say all three of them have such a special bond and absolutely love each other to the fullest.” While the birth of a child with Down syndrome
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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