The Lucky Ones

Today is a special day at our house-- World Down Syndrome Day. While every day is a reason to celebrate each of our three, beautiful children, 3-21 is a day to remember the beauty Down syndrome has created in our lives. Are there challenges? I'd be lying if I said no. Are the challenges insurmountable? Absolutely not. In fact, if anything, the challenges have made us closer and stronger as a family. We've been embraced by an incredible community of individuals whose energy, fun, wit, intelligence, and accomplishments know no bounds. 

I asked each member of our house why Down syndrome makes us some of the lucky ones:

In Audyn's words, "If we didn't have Kaleb, we'd sit around and read books all day. With Kaleb, we sit on the floor and play, or we get up and have dance parties."

In Emelyn's words, "Down syndrome is more of a positive than a negative. A lot of the things I think now and am a part of are because of it. I wouldn't have thought as much about equality as I do now. And we wouldn't be part of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress without Kaleb. And, the best part? Kaleb is hilarious!"

In Kaleb's own words, "I have lots of friends. I have a lot of helpers, too. It's fun!"

In Mark's words, "As a family, we've have had the opportunity to get involved in community and educational advocacy and meet some amazing people. Even the kids get involved. It's a shared passion, and we all enjoy the challenge, value, and fun of it."

I love that as a family we've learned to celebrate all kinds of victories, big and small. I'm a born and raised perfectionist. The key to being a really good perfectionist is to look like you're fantastic at everything, without having to try hard. Being around Kaleb and the Down syndrome community has taught me to let that meaningless striving go and to celebrate simply getting out there and trying. Failure is the best teacher. Working hard and still failing is a gift that stretches and strengthens us. Trying things we didn't think we could do has led us down some really great paths as a family. Kaleb has never minded working hard or making mistakes in front of others. He's taught us to celebrate all kinds of accomplishments--the big ones and the seemingly small ones. They're all dance-party worthy!

Since we're all homebound for the foreseeable future, here are three ideas for celebrating World Down Syndrome day with people around the globe, from the comfort of your house:

1. Rock your Socks! Wear crazy socks as a family, and take a picture. Post your picture on your social media feed. #worlddownsyndromeday

2. Make a donation to a local chapter of  the National Down Syndrome Society. Here in Massachusetts, we support the MDSC. They're phenomenal! 

3. Watch NORMIE! The award-winning documentary NORMIE is now available online as a limited release! Don't miss this opportunity--it is only available through the weekend. And if you love the film, please share it with others on your social media feeds! Spread the word with us.


Dear Friends, wherever you find yourselves in these strange and unsettling days, our family wishes you health and sanity! And oh yes, a really good dance party.