Browse all articles Parent Info By Kat Abianac / August 13, 2014 What a married woman with Down syndrome wants you to know Meet Kate Owens. Kate got married 3 years ago, and is busy loving life! I asked Kate, as a married woman with Down syndrome, to share some things about herself as well as her life. She has something important to say to mothers of kids with Down syndrome. Or even mothers of younger children, who are thinking ahead to the future. Marriage may not be on the cards yet- but one day, it might just be. How did I meet my husband? We met at a local disco in 2007. He bought me a drink and we danced.. I told mum about him after! Our first date was out for lunch. It was chucking it down with rain, so we had to share my umbrella- and we kissed. Steve proposed at a charity ball in Bristol. He stopped the DJ playing music, got down on one knee in the middle of the dance floor and proposed. Everyone cheered when I said yes. It is my 30th birthday on 27th August and I’m having a big party with a disco, and Steve is 35. Kate and Steve completing a local charity Rainbow Run to support their local children’s hospital What do I like the most about being a wife? Having a relaxed day out at an outdoors Westlife concert What do I like the most about being a wife? I like being a wife because I can boss him around!! Not really, it’s changed my life forever, it means everything. Kate, with her beautiful flower girl, on her wedding day What do we enjoy doing together? We like going to our clubs, and the gym and church, but everything really. I want to say to mums of young girls who have Down syndrome, and the girls themselves- You can meet a man that’s right for you, and enjoy your life. Down Syndrome shouldn’t stop you doing what you want to do. Photos used with permission from Kate Owens. Kate and Steve have the most beautiful marriage, and it was a joy to share it with you. Please share their love story too!
56 comments A Married Woman with Down Syndrome Shares Her Story | Special Bridge - January 10, 2017 […] story originally appeared here on the Parker Myles […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment The 8 Most Googled Questions About Down syndrome- Answered - Parker Myles - February 5, 2016 […] What a married woman with Down syndrome wants you to know 2014-08-13 […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment A Delivery Suite Diagnosis of Down syndrome - for Medical Professionals - Parker Myles - February 2, 2016 […] What a married woman with Down syndrome wants you to know 2014-08-13 […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Saam Amerat - June 19, 2015 Be happily ever after 🙂 Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment ADeforge - April 30, 2015 Please! Please! Please! If you have a child or sibling with Down Syndrome or any other developmental disability, please when they turn 18 apply for Guardianship or some legal method to protect your child or sibling incase they become married or can not advocate for themselves. Save yourself the nightmare of letting the state, their spouse or spouses family from having a say in the individuals healthcare, if they become unable to speak for themselves. I can not stress this enough! Also, please look into special NYS OPWDD requirements for Health Care Proxy’s, yours may not be valid. http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/…/information_f…/health_care_choices Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Kat Abianac - May 2, 2015 Terrific advice, thankyou. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment “What’s wrong with her?” 10 things you should never say to the parent of a child with Down syndrome | Parker Myles - April 26, 2015 […] that really what you think? If so, you really shouldn’t have verbalised it. Eden may get married, she may not and it would be the same if she didn’t have Down syndrome. Eden will live a full […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Oppression | My Declassified Mommy Survival Guide - November 23, 2014 […] http://parkermyles.com/2014/08/13/what-a-married-woman-with-down-syndrome-wants-you-to-know/ […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Egy Down-szindrómás feleség üzenete - DownBaba - November 3, 2014 […] Képek és szöveg: parkermiles.com […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Что такое человек? Что такое человечность? | Любовные записки - October 31, 2014 […] […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Jennifer cox - October 30, 2014 That is good to hear we can get married when you can be anything I am happy for you two Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment judt de kam - October 29, 2014 MAY GOD BLESS YOU N ENCOURAGE YOU DAILY WITH LOVE N RESPECT FOR EACHOTHER..AND GROUNDED IN CHRIST IS MY PRAYER FOR YOU… Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Hannah - October 27, 2014 Hi Katie You probably won’t see this but my name is Hannah and I am a writer and would love to work with you and write your story if that is something you would be interested in. Your Story is wonderful. Hannah Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Свадьба девушки с синдромом Дауна - theHZ.ru - October 23, 2014 […] Интервью Кейт, ко… […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment behindblueeyes914 - September 28, 2014 This is a truly inspiring story. I do have one question though, does Steve have any disabilities? Its no more or less inspiring if he does or does not have any disabilities, its just rare to see someone with no disabilities daring someone that has them. At least from what I have seen but I have been pretty sheltered. My oldest has Down Syndrome and it has opened my eyes and my heart to a whole new world. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Sophie - September 23, 2014 I found you through Mamma Mia, they posted this post on their site and after reading it I had to come and have a look at your blog. This is a beautiful story. I love how these two have found each other and how they look so in love. It’s just a beautiful thing to see.Thank-you for writing this. Sophie xxx Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment samah - September 21, 2014 thank you for sharing the story.. so inspiring… it means so much to us… Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Jean Reinhardt - September 21, 2014 Such a lovely couple, and an inspiring example. Thanks for sharing this. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment sarah mcvey - September 20, 2014 I have chills ….I think I might cry. I don’t do that but this story had made my heart smile. I 31 years old and the proud mother of 4 . My oldest Jonathan, 13 years old and he has down syndrome. All he had Ever wanted is to be a husband. Even before he had even seen an example of what that meant. At two just beginning to walk he would aline stuffed animals (babies) on the arm of the couch. Get a blanket cover them up just so. Then stand there and pat there butts till they fell asleep…..for a typically developing child that isn’t a big deal, but for him it was a labor intensive task. He is happiest if aloud to wear his Sunday best…..EVERY DAY. He cleans the bac yard in a suit and tie. Because you never know when it will be time to fulfil your destiny and to him being “happy husband Jonathan ” is his. ……im a bit choked up. Since the day I had him and looked at his gorgeous lil face I have just wanted his happiness. And I have heard awful soul crushing stories. Men and women being stopped LEGALLY stopped from being aloud to wed simply because they are disabled. I have had people scoff at his dream to have a family. Curl there face and say …”what if he had children” in side you can’t help but be crushed……outwardly I would rub my hands together and oh I would just hope the kids would have down syndrome and that I could play with them EVERY day” …..but in side I always worry. If he CAN have his dream. So I want YOU to know that you have just given a mom the greatest gift…… hope and reassurance. Thank you Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Natural Food & Health New 9/19/14 - September 20, 2014 […] What a married woman with Down syndrome wants you to know. Put a smile on THIS mama’s face […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Ann M Hill - September 20, 2014 I have been in Special Ed for 4 decades and the step mum of a son who has D.S. This story warms my heart and should be shared..People with D.S. are the most loving, caring and beautiful people on earth. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Carey - September 20, 2014 You are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your precious moments. I have an almost 14yr old daughter with DS and it gives me hope for her future to see your blessings that God have given you. Congratulations! Aloha from Kauai, Hawaii! Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Irene ortiz - September 20, 2014 I have a daughter with DS and i hope she fines a good man like you did god bless!!!!! Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Juliette Kings - September 20, 2014 Reblogged this on West Coast Review and commented: A love story on so many levels… If you don’t feel good after reading this then, well, I don’t know. Maybe you need to read it again and feel the joy we should all share in life. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Jo Craig - September 20, 2014 As the grandmother of a little girl with DS, I loved your story. I pray God continues to bless you and your husband! Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Daven Anderson - September 20, 2014 Reblogged this on Vampire Syndrome Blog and commented: My character Jack doesn’t let Down Syndrome stop him, and neither dies Kate! Congratulations on your wonderful life, Kate! 🙂 Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment mohamed fazly ilyas - September 20, 2014 I am very happy for you Kate and thank steve for marrying you and making your life meaningful. most parents will be always hesitant to give their daughter with this syndrome in marriage due to natural concerns.I hope God will guide you and steve with love and care from here on to eternity.. And best wishes in the making towards a family. God bless and best wishes. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Mirjam - September 20, 2014 As a mom i would hope that both of my girls wil be so happy in life as you twoo are… And my princes of ten years young with down, i just hope that she will see her live filled with joY and laughter and good friends and relatives…..And love like you and your man have found. Greetings from the Netherlands.. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Kate got married 3 years ago, and is busy loving life - La déficience intellectuelle dans le monde - September 19, 2014 […] read on Parker Myles […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Belinda Connor - September 18, 2014 Gives me hope that my daughter will find her “mate” I want her to be able to be whom ever her heart desires. Great inspiring story!! Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment mohamed fazly ilyas - September 20, 2014 Best wishes belinda.. i hope she will find her suitor. god bless. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment linda seeger - September 18, 2014 I wish you both happiness you are beautiful inside and outside bless you . Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment What a married woman with Down syndrome wants y... - September 18, 2014 […] Meet Kate Owens.Kate got married 3 years ago, and is busy loving life.I felt her beautiful love story needed to be shared, so I asked Kate to share some things about herself as well.She has somethi… […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Maha Moustafa Kamal - September 2, 2014 your lovely story has much encouraged me..i feel so proud of U ..U R not only a very beautiful bride..U R also a very successful woman who has proved that there is nothing called ”impossible”. God bless U both..i hope U enjoy health and happiness for the rest of your life Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Then and Now.. What will my child with Down syndrome look like? | Parker Myles - September 1, 2014 […] him from one organized activity to another? Do adults with Down syndrome truly have jobs and get married, or were they just the one in a million stories touted to idealise people with this […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment LIVING with Downs | Save Just 1 - August 22, 2014 […] http://parkermyles.com/2014/08/13/what-a-married-woman-with-down-syndrome-wants-you-to-know/ […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Steven Emmons - August 22, 2014 Beautiful couple. Beautiful hearts. Beautiful thoughts. God bless your lives together. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Suzi - August 22, 2014 What a lovely couple you are – I wish you well in your life together. Downs Syndrome does not define you – you are uniquely you – a woman, a daughter and a wife – and a beautiful one at that !! Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Sarah Palin responds to Richard Dawkins' advocacy of aborting Down syndrome babies | Live Action News - August 22, 2014 […] Dawkins says his morality is based on increasing happiness and reducing suffering. Read the happy story of Kate Owens, a bride with Down syndrome. […] Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment bozena - August 18, 2014 What a lovely story & beautiful photos of such beautiful people – inside & out! Thank you for sharing your inspiring message Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Shirley - August 18, 2014 What a wonderful story, you both look so happy. Best wishes for your future together Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Fauzia Hussain - August 16, 2014 Congratulations !!!thanks !! For sharing your tale of love …..IM so happy for both of you , may you two live life happily ever after Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment nikoteen87 - August 15, 2014 I am a mummy to a little girl with Down syndrome and this has brought happy tears to my eyes and a smile across my face. Thank you for the post and to Kate for sharing 🙂 Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment robyn finnan - August 15, 2014 this is a beautiful story for this young woman but just want to say that it is not for all who have down syndrome as I work with profound downs for over 30 yrs and wish their stories could be so beautiful as this lovely young woman. Congratulations for having your life sweetheart the way you want it to be.Hugs x Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment emmalynn - August 14, 2014 Such a beautiful and happy story. I am so glad you found happiness darl, every woman deserves it. And every girl deserves to be a princess On her special day Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment LavendarLadi - August 14, 2014 I love her dress and the flower girl’s dress is sooo sweet. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment bea agnone - August 13, 2014 my granddaughter has ds. im hoping she finds someone to love her the way she loves everyone. you are a beautifull person with a beautifull heart Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Linda - August 13, 2014 As the mother of an eight year old boy with Down syndrome, I thank you for sharing this post! Kate and her husband look absolutely beautiful on their wedding day and it’s so good to see a woman with Down syndrome enjoying her life to the full! Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Damaris Holder - August 13, 2014 You both look so happy together and I am pleased you shared your story with us. I pray that this openness of yours will be a great encouragement to other DSers. Bless you both. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Tosha Tanquary - August 13, 2014 I love seeing stories like this and thinking about my girl’s future… Hope has no limitations. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment AlicFcebooke Loos - August 13, 2014 awesome, I wish tem a very haapy long lasting love understnding, and above all, help each other. Congrats. Alice Loos, Curacao. Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment vicky allen - August 13, 2014 As a mum of a little girl who has downs syndrome this was really great to read, thank you for sharing your love story, it has really encouraged me ! You looked fantastic on your wedding day and a very happy couple, God bless you both for a long and happy future together x Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Chris Kozikas - August 13, 2014 Love knows no boundaries good luck to you both for a wonderful future xxxx Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Julie - August 13, 2014 What a fabulous story. Thanks for sharing. x Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Jo Reeves - August 13, 2014 Such a simple beautiful story, you looked gorgeous on your wedding day and the smile on your faces in the other photos says it all. My son is only 4 , he how DS and I hope he meets someone as as lovely as you xx Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment helen - August 13, 2014 What a beautiful young woman, she looks fantastic on her wedding day and very happy with her new husband all the best to them x Reply Leave a reply: Cancel Reply Name* Email* Website Comment Click here to add a comment Leave a comment: Name * Email * Website Comment Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email.