The phrase “I’m sorry” often carries with it an ominous tone, especially when delivered by someone in a position of authority. In some of the most serious circumstances, it can precede a moment that shifts the course of your life in ways you never imagined. For Matt and Jodi Parry, hearing these words from a doctor six years ago marked the beginning of a journey that would challenge their expectations, redefine their family’s life, and prove just how strong love and resilience can be.

At the time, Matt and Jodi were expecting their second child. After the joy of welcoming their first son, Finlay, into the world, they were thrilled at the prospect of expanding their family once again. They learned that they were expecting twins, a double dose of happiness. Their excitement was paired with the natural anxieties that come with any pregnancy, especially a multiple one. Their hearts were full of anticipation, eager to meet the new additions to their family, and hopeful for everything to go smoothly.

However, when the twins were born prematurely, the couple’s world was upended. Their first visit to the doctor after the delivery left them reeling. They were called into a small room and heard the words that no parent ever expects: “I’m sorry.” The doctor continued by explaining that both of their daughters, Abigail and Isobel, had been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

At that moment, Jodi, already a mother, found herself struggling to make sense of what she was hearing. She had experienced the pain of a miscarriage following Finlay’s birth, and though she thought she was prepared for anything, this news was unexpected and overwhelming. It wasn’t so much the diagnosis itself, but the way it was delivered—like a heavy burden, as if it was something to apologize for.

Jodi recalls feeling as if she had been told that life would be nothing but hardship, that her daughters’ futures were sealed in a way that she couldn’t escape. She was haunted by thoughts of what life would look like: caring for her girls in a way that might never allow for independence or normal milestones. “That day, I didn’t feel like a mother. I just felt lost and confused,” Jodi shared. “I thought we’d be carers until we dropped dead.”

Statistically speaking, the girls’ condition was incredibly rare. Twins both born with Down syndrome is an occurrence that happens in only one out of every million pregnancies. Along with this diagnosis, Abigail and Isobel had additional health concerns. Abigail was born with a hearing impairment in one ear, and Isobel had a congenital heart defect—a hole in her heart. Yet, despite all of these challenges, Matt and Jodi quickly learned that there was so much more to their daughters than any medical label could define.

One of the most difficult aspects for the couple was the lack of support and guidance from medical professionals. They felt isolated and unsure of what the future would hold for their family. There was no clear road map, and no one was there to reassure them that their daughters could lead fulfilling lives, go to school, and engage with the world just like other children. Instead, they were left to navigate this new reality on their own.

Despite the absence of detailed information, Matt and Jodi began to piece together their understanding of what their daughters’ lives might look like. They found support not from doctors or support groups, but from each other and from the unshakable love they had for their girls. It was love that carried them through the most challenging days, when the fear of the unknown threatened to overwhelm them.

As the days turned into months, and the months into years, the couple’s fears began to diminish. The early struggles slowly gave way to moments of joy, laughter, and connection. The twins, Abigail and Isobel, defied the odds that had been stacked against them. They grew, they thrived, and they brought light and love to everyone they encountered. The notion that their lives would be defined by hardship was gradually replaced by the realization that they were just like any other family, full of love and hope for the future.

Now, six years later, the Parry family has witnessed firsthand the harm that ignorance and prejudice can inflict. The twins, despite all the early predictions and societal judgments, have proven that they are not defined by their diagnosis. They are individuals with their own personalities, abilities, and dreams. Jodi often reflects on the words the doctor said to her so many years ago and can’t help but wonder why he ever said he was sorry. “If I could meet him again, I would want to show him Abigail and Isobel and say, ‘Why did you say sorry? We wouldn’t change them for the world.’”

The Parrys’ journey has been filled with ups and downs, but it has also been filled with an overwhelming amount of love. Through their experiences, Matt and Jodi have learned valuable lessons about what truly matters in life. They have shown that happiness is not defined by society’s standards of what is “normal” or “perfect.” Happiness is found in the love you give, the family you create, and the joy you find in the little moments.

Abigail and Isobel’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of family. It’s a reminder that life can be full of unexpected twists, and that what might seem like an obstacle can often turn out to be an opportunity for growth and love. The Parry family has shown the world that no matter what challenges we may face, we are all deserving of a chance to live life to the fullest.

In the end, the true lesson from Matt and Jodi’s story is that life isn’t about meeting certain expectations or fitting into a specific mold—it’s about embracing what you have and making the most of every moment. Through their journey, they have discovered a depth of happiness and fulfillment that defies what others might have expected. Their story is one of resilience, love, and the beauty of family in all its forms.