Today marks the 9th Anniversary of
“World Down Syndrome Day” and each year the voice of people with Down syndrome,
and those who live and work with them grows louder. But there is still so much
more to do!
Today is the day that some in the
world have seen fit to change the virtue and value of the lives of those with
Down syndrome. You can count our family in on this day! There is so much that
comes to mind for Dylan, myself, and Greg that highlights our appreciation and
gratefulness for Down syndrome.
Over the last year and a half our
journey with “disability” in the context of raising a growing and young family
we often wondered what the impact of Dylan’s life would be? Would he be able to
play, grow and learn like other’s his age? Would he be accepted by others,
would he be bullied? There are many other questions that can flood the mind of
a parent in the midst of disability. A parent’s response to the ongoing
challenges brought on by a child’s diagnosis directly impacts every relationship
in the family. By God’s grace over the last couple of years we have been able
to see, hear, and experience the impact that Down syndrome has had on Dylan
first hand. He is nothing but pure joy, and has love written all over his face.
When people ask me “how is he doing”? This is my response: “He is doing
amazing! He will go far in life because he is one determined little boy. Dylan
will reach his own goals just like your child will and on his own time.” I will
push him because I am his mom and I only want the best for him. He will do
things that he wants to do, he will play the sports he wants to play and he
will learn the way he wants to learn and follow every dream that may come his
way. Just because he is different, does not mean he will be anything but
perfect!
There are so many little ways that
their character and worldview has been impacted by disability. They recognize
the good in everyone and always have a smile on their face! Disability is obviously
in our midst, but Dylan is just Dylan, he is our primary existence as an
individual, our son, and a loving human being that god created. We know that we
have a long way to go in our parenting, but it is no different than any other
parent in the world. It has been a great encouragement to see that disability
has not served as a wedge between our family and the character of God. No, far
from it. Down syndrome, and disability in general, has been nothing but pure
joy and more love then I could have ever imagined!
So on this day our family stands blessed,
proud, changed, and more in love with what Down syndrome has brought to our
lives. This is all in part of God creating Dylan together especially for our
family.
If
you are the parent, family member or friend of a person with Down syndrome, you
should be contemplating how to celebrate one of the most important days of the
year: World Down Syndrome Day.
03/21
is the day set aside to celebrate the triplication of chromosome 21 that is the
genetic composition of people with this condition.
This
special event has been created to generate awareness about the abilities and
possibilities of people with Down syndrome. As a special fact, it is estimated
that around 6 million people in the world live with this condition and we are
all more alike than we know.
Happy
Down Syndrome Day!
