Why We Celebrate!

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day.  The 3rd month of the year, the 21st day of the month, representing the 3rd copy of the 21 chromosome.  We came up with a list of reasons why our family celebrates Individuals with Down Syndrome and especially our Son on this day.

1. Because close to 3 years ago we were blessed with a baby who had this 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome.  We named him Porter Ray.
2. We were welcomed into a community of people who were full of love and acceptance.  It was/is beautiful. 
3. We meet and know so many individuals with Down Syndrome who have proven so many people wrong when others have told them, "You can't... You'll never... Don't get your hopes up...You'll never make it... Your health will not last"  Seems like a dang good reason to celebrate.
4. We witness Christ-like love all the time.  Porter loves without question, which is incredible to witness.
5. Individuals with Down Syndrome make the World a better place.
6. We've learned to work through health problems and be grateful for good health.
7. People with Down Syndrome teach others tolerance, acceptance, kindness, bravery, and so many other admirable qualities. 
8. Any individual that touches hearts and compels others to love more deeply is worth celebrating.
9. We are that family.   The family that you catch yourself staring at, feeling sorry for and we try to show you that you should be jealous not sympathetic.  We are happy!  We like our family exactly how it is! 
10. Down Syndrome has made some things harder in our lives and our son's life particularly, but we now know  We/He CAN do hard things! 
11. As Husband and Wife we know that we love each other enough to face the unknown, hand-in-hand, NEVER wondering what the most important commitment is to the other person.  It's our family.  (You may wonder how Down Syndrome taught us that.  When we were faced with that first diagnosis it rocked our whole world and we come through it safely together, stronger forever.)
12. Parent Training: We've been so lucky to have amazing service providers (early intervention, speech, etc.) that have willingly taught us information and knowledge that's helpful in raising any child.
13. Having a child with special needs has humbled us to know that we had misunderstood individuals with special needs in our past.  We knew we could be better but knew from then on we'd give our best effort to be kind to everyone. 
14. We appreciate that every life has value. 
15. Being an outsider gives you empathy and welcoming arms to others. 
16. Advocate:  we get to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves.  Like now, Meghann is going to take this chance to remind you the word RETARD or RETARDED hurts, it is inappropriate and unnecessary.  Be creative people, use a different word that actually says what you mean.  Also, remember to use person first language..."What's that?" you ask... well, so glad you asked.  My son is a kid with Down Syndrome.  He is NOT "The Down Syndrome Kid".  This is important because we don't define people as traits or characteristics about them, we define them as people first and always.  I'll get off my soap box, remember I love you and know you are a wonderful person who wants to spread the love as much as we do.  Match your words to your heart!
17. As a teacher, Meg understands it SO much better now.  She has an understanding of what obstacles children with special needs face and she can't wait to take that back to the classroom! 
18. Our family knows some Sign Language. 
19. We will be the recipients of sincere loves and cuddles for the rest of our lives.  Aaron will probably be Porter's favorite person forever!
20. We've learned to let vanity go.  We adore a 2 year old in glasses.  We've learned that beauty doesn't always come in perfect packages and we look to the soul of a person for what matters most.
21. Trust!  In God, in the good in people, in each other, in Porter, and in the power of Love.  We trust. 

Please, take a second to think about all the good individuals with Down Syndrome have or could bring into your life.  If you know Porter think of his love for you.  I hope you're smiling and have a better day because today is WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY!  I know we will!