3/21

One of the coolest things about my tiny daughter? Like her brother before her, she has allowed me to see the the beauty and unexpected joys that lie at the margins of experience, those stories we often don't get the chance, don't slow down and listen hard enough to hear in this achievement obsessed, 'perfection' seeking, sometimes brutal world.

Being S's mother allowed me see the deep and abiding love that can dwell in the invisible, those essential things not seen by the eye. For that I am ever grateful. My beautiful S, giving the stars their sparkle.

And in her own tiny life, our little seedling is already enriching us in ways I am only beginning to understand. Teaching us how important each moment is, to breath deeply and not rush. To appreciate how little the 'facts' can tell us about love. To celebrate and champion the unique, the unorthodox, the quirky and the singular.

Both my children have and continue to take me on journeys that reveal their truths in gently unfolding, mysterious ways. Or sometimes in great rushes of knowing that are so striking their realization is almost visceral.

Because of my children, I am a braver, more compassionate - and yes, more human - being than I ever gave myself credit for in the life I had before they came along. I am fiercely proud of them both. Our kids, they're one of a kind.

Although I can understand why some parents might, I don't feel fear when I think about raising a child with Down syndrome. Truly, we are so excited to begin this special journey. To have this unique opportunity to learn and grow alongside her. To see the world anew through her eyes. To glow with pride as she discovers and accomplishes and falls and gets up again.

And surely that's just a universal, parental feeling?

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Today is World Down Syndrome Day. For the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome; get it? (Also the spring equinox, The New Year celebrations of Newroz for a host of cultures across the Middle East and Central Asia, the day after my birthday and apparently World Happiness Day; so it's generally a week on the calendar I can get behind.) 

I'm new at all this Down syndrome stuff, but already I have learned that there is an amazing global community out there, full of love and acceptance and the readiness to challenge conventional thinking on all the things we think truly matter in life. I like that challenge. These are my people, I can feel it. I'm not religious and I've never been a fatalist, but it's almost as though everything until now was leading me to this.

I read a blog post earlier this week written by Lauren over at Sipping Lemonade. Hers has quickly become a favourite read; she articulates so beautifully all the things I am still too busy untangling in my own brain to put into such moving words.

I hope she won't mind that I'm re-printing here some of what she has to say about today, because I feel sure these are the kinds of things we can all benefit from hearing, whether we're facing our own challenging situations or looking for something awesome to celebrate today. I hope they inspire you as they have me.

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 On World Down syndrome Day:

Since having Kate, I’ve realized that, truly, this day is for everyone and anyone — whether or not you have or love someone who has Down syndrome.

The heart of this day is for anyone who is or loves someone who is human.

It’s World We’re-All-Created-Equal Day. World We-All-Matter Day.

It’s World Don’t-Count-Me-Out Day and World I’ll-Surprise-The-Heck-Out-Of-You Day.

It’s World Different-Is-Great Day. World Be-Yourself Day.

It’s World We-All-Have-Special-Needs Day. And World Wouldn’t-It-Be-Boring-If-We-Were-All-the-Same Day.

It’s World Help-Each-Other Day. World Love-Each -Other Day. World Serve-Each-Other Day. World We’re-All-In-This-Together Day.

It’s a day where we advocate inclusion and awareness of those with Down syndrome — and of all of us.

We are all born to mothers who we hope will love and accept and celebrate us. We are all born to a world where we long to be heard and respected. We all have challenges to overcome and strengths to celebrate — and we all need others to help us along the way.

And on World Down Syndrome Day, it’s a good time to remind ourselves, our children, our friends and family and communities: do not be afraid of what’s different.

Do not underestimate those around you.

Do not count out those who do things in their own unique way in their own unique time.

Encourage. Include. Involve. Accept.

You can find the original post in its entirety here. 

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And while I'm at it, since this video is doing the rounds this week, click on the link below. I dare you to watch it and not cry sloppy, happy, uplifted tears.

Happy World We're-All-In-This-Together Day friends.