World Down Syndrome Day

Today was designated World Down Syndrome Day. 3-21 signifies the fact that the 21st chromosome has three copies instead of two in people with Down syndrome.  This day is a great way for us to raise awareness and spread the word that people with Down syndrome are more alike than different.  I can't tell you how important these days of awareness are to so many of us.  We want our children to be seen and accepted for who they are.  My boy has Down syndrome but that is not who he is.  He is just like any other boy.  He likes to stomp in puddles, play ball with his sister, and wrestle with his friend at school.  He also likes to be included when his sister is playing with her friends.  Included.  We worry about inclusion in so many ways.  We want our boy to be included in school activities and we want other children to come up and say hi to our boy and to be honest I have witnessed all of this happen.  But does that mean our job is done in spreading the word?  No.  Our job will never be done.  We are succeeding with every new person that my boy meets and realizes that he matters and and that he makes a difference to the lives of others.  So today we celebrate and honor the boy that has changed his families life in so many ways.  We understand the true meaning of unconditional love.  He sees perfection when he looks at all of us.  His sister can do no wrong and if he could talk I am sure he would tell everyone he meets that she is awesome.  His sister's name is the only one that he can say.  Not mom or dad.   So we want to share with you the reason we are celebrating everyone with an extra chromosome today...because they matter and they need us to spread the word that they are more alike than different.  Join us in this day of celebration by posting your comments showing that you are helping us celebrate this day.