is reporting that the photo, posted only a week ago, has already received thousands and shares and likes on Facebook.
"We're just thankful that it’s touching a lot of people, opening a lot eyes,” said Andy Reigstad, the father of Boaz.
He and his wife Mindy said the idea to post the photo came to them after watching the pro-life movie, "180", as well as following the recent Occupy Wall Street movement with its "99%" slogan.
This resulted in the sign Boaz is holding in the picture, which says: "I may not be perfect but I'm happy. I am God's handiwork and I bear His image. I am blessed. I am the 10 percent of children born with Down syndrome who survived Roe v. Wade."
Reigstad explained: “My wife and I would be considered very pro-life and have been praying for the Lord to end abortion much like He ended legal slavery in our land. We’ve supported local Pregnancy Help Centers in the cities we’ve lived in and we take part in their fundraisers. Lives are saved from the abortionists each day, but still the killing goes on and it grieves our hearts.”
Their hope is that in posting the photo of Boaz with the sign, they could "be a small part of the tide that is turning against abortion. We wanted to speak up for those who can’t speak up for themselves."
Boaz is the oldest of the Reigstads three children and will turn six years old this Sunday. He is described by his parents as a "high functioning" Down Syndrome child.
Josh Mercer of CatholicVote had nothing but praise for the photo and the reaction it is receiving.
“This powerful message is making its way around Facebook. When I speak with friends who have a child with Down Syndrome, unfailingly they all say how much joy their child brings into their life. It makes me feel ashamed to live in a country that chooses death instead of life for 90% of babies who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome.”
Click here to view Boaz on the "180" Facebook page.
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