Off The Record

Couple Expects Identical Twins, Freeze When The Doctor Says “I’m Sorry”

Published on June 16, 2023

A doctor broke what he thought to be devastating news to a couple anticipating twins.

However, after meeting their darling children, the parents knew there was no way they would ever consider changing their mind…

Abigail and Isobel Parry are a rarer pair of twins than one in a million.

The kids’ June 2011 birth with Down syndrome was a miracle for their parents, Jodi and Matt Parry.

The couple’s decision to keep their daughters was met with mixed reactions.

Jodi remembers a doctor explaining the test results and offering an apology, which the mother failed to grasp.

They Could Still Live a Good Life

When Jodi and Matt found out they were expecting twins, they thought their “whole world had ended” and that life would never be the way they had pictured it

But the birth of their daughters, Abigail and Isobel, changed everything. Jodi had gotten over her grief and revealed:

“[The doctor] said he was sorry that Abigail and Isobel had Down Syndrome. To this day, I’ll never know what he was sorry for.”

Her spouse shared her sentiments, stating that he was indifferent to their daughters’ chromosomal counts.

The parents anticipated their twins’ delayed growth and health development, but they remained optimistic about their children’s future.

The Proud Parents

Both girls were premature and required critical care for four weeks after their birth.

There were many difficulties for Jodi and Matt when they got out of the hospital, but they were all worthwhile.

Abigail and Isobel have made their parents so incredibly proud with all that they have accomplished.

In 2017, they revealed some details about their lives, and the ladies’ excitement was palpable.

Abigail and Isobel’s mother said that they had only brought good things into the world.

Daddy and Abigail taking big brother for his haircut in the sunshine ❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/Ee2vA8wrwe
— Abigail & Isobel (@Twincess1) May 10, 2018

They may have more checkups and visits to the doctor, but they also have a lot more love, hugs, and smiles in their lives.

Their Loving Big Brother

The sisters went to a regular school and used everyday phrases like “mom,” “dad,” and “Finn.” Finn, the older brother, is extremely protective of his sisters and cannot fathom a world without them.

He is aware of the importance of being generous and helpful:

“Downs syndrome means that I have to help my sisters a bit more than if I had sisters with no Downs syndrome because they would be able to learn quicker.”

They Wouldn’t Change a Thing

The daughters’ joyful antics on a trampoline in the backyard of their Chorley, Lancashire house demonstrate the family’s positive outlook on life.

Despite their difficulties, the parents are proud of their children and wouldn’t alter a thing about them.

Trade secrets No.14 – @Twincess1 girls are brilliant!
OK that's not a secret but I love this picture of them driving my van 😍 pic.twitter.com/3KJW9JG3xm
— Simon Denham (@itsdenham) April 7, 2020

“There’s nothing in the world that could convince me to change them. A life with Down syndrome is a life worth living,” expressed Jodi. The mother wishes she could meet the doctor who offered his apologies again. She explained:

“I would like to show him Abigail and Isobel and say, ‘Why did you say sorry because we wouldn’t change Abigail and Isobel for the world now?'”

Raising Awareness about Down Syndrome

According to Jodi, Abigail and Isobel have only contributed good things to the world.

They may have more checkups and visits to the doctor, but they also have a lot more love, hugs, and smiles in their lives.

The doting parents created an organization in their daughters’ names. The goal of the “Twincess” movement is to educate the public, dispel common misconceptions, and highlight the bright side of parenting a child with Down syndrome. To which Matt remarked:

Thank you all so much for the birthday messages and thank you all to our new followers. We have gone over 3,500 which is mindblowing.

We had a great birthday and its double figures next 👀👀👀 ❤❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/lHtaNi6Gwq
— Abigail & Isobel (@Twincess1) June 30, 2020

“It is all about celebrating achievement, rather than focussing on the things they can’t do.”

Bring Happiness Everywhere They Go

All this woman wants is for her kids to have a shot at life.

She sees their potential and wants the world to know that receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome doesn’t mean everything has to be turned upside down.

Abigail and Isobel have flourished at school, and their communication skills have grown daily.

They are mostly sign language users and delight in spreading cheer everywhere they go.

The Reactions From the Web

People on the internet had a lot to say about the amazing siblings. People couldn’t help but swoon over the two little kids and their infectious happiness:

After the most amazing of weekends…..one picture sums it all up……#JustAboutCoping. Love these two so so so much xx pic.twitter.com/Psk75NdQTw
— Abigail & Isobel (@Twincess1) June 25, 2017

“Little darlings, just look how happy they are. I bet you [are] so so proud of them.” – (Annette Roberts) July 4, 2016

“Don’t they just look adorable! Looks like they’re looking forward to the first day at school!” – (Jean Gregson) July 4, 2016

“What a pair of angels! God bless you two in your challenges at school! I will be praying for you!” – (Nancy Weybright) July 4, 2016

“I hope you had a wonderful first day of school. I adore your outfits and you two look so very happy. Best wishes in all you do, remember to keep smiling and stay happy.” – (Marie Camp) July 3, 2016

Jodi and Matt’s daughters Abigail and Isobel are the greatest gifts God has given them.