Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Celebrating the extra chromosome today, on World Down Syndrome day ...



Down Syndrome International has officially earmarked March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day . The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome.

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Soaking up the beauty of Miss Zoey today. Embracing all the magic that that extra chromosome brought with it. Sure, that extra 21st came bearing a whole lot extra that we were not expecting, but in spite of it all, the struggles and the heartache, we continue to believe ourselves to be blessed and lucky, seeing beyond all that and instead seeing the gift.

Today we are celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, surrounded by the incredible extended family who's children inspire me daily.  We are joined in this inexplicable way. So much so, that when I meet a family in the aisle of a grocery store or at a park, there is this immediate connection, requiring no words. Silence in the knowledge that we are not to be pitied but rather envied.

Thinking especially today about my sweet friends Polly, Joany, Catherine, Karol, Claudia and Marissa. Keeping close to my heart their precious children, Kristen, Carly, Lois, Laynee, Mia and Christopher, as well as a special little love, Sol Merie. Each of them touched my life with their grace and beauty and changed me for always. They are missed but will never be forgotten.

11 comments:

Rochelle said...

Happy WDSD to you guys. Beautiful post.

Mary from Turlock said...

Zoey is absolutely adorable in this photo. You are such an inspiration to so many - not only you as parents and family, but little Zoey just grabs your heart!! Gotta love her even though I've never met her.

Birdie said...

Yesterday on my local news they mentioned today was World Down Syndrome Day. I thought of you. I was glad to see that the word is getting out in a positive way.

Becca said...

Beautiful post, as always! Happy WDSD to you all!

Oops, just realized I just wrote pretty much exactly what Rochelle wrote...oh well, you know what they say about great minds... :-)

Kristen's mom said...

That connection is such an amazing thing. Down syndrome, what a wonderful thing to celebrate. Luckily we can all celebrate every single day, too bad the outside world doesn't get it. Hopefully, someday they will.

Anonymous said...

I especially love this photo of little Miss Z. So "big girl" with her sweet smile!

I chime in with all the rest,... nice that Down Syndrome is acknowleged in a positive way. About time!

love & hugs

Bluebelle/Loraine

Salinas family said...

So beautifully written Heather. We are so very very blessed!
Zoey is a wonderful ambassador!!
sending love,
Karen

Runningmama said...

Celebrating with you today! So glad we share Down Syndrome, otherwise we never would have known each other :-)

krlr said...

LOVED loved loved that video - hadn't seen it before. Thank you.

Wordshurtorheal said...

I love that "we are not to be pitied but envied" I hope I quoted it correctly. I love those shared moments too. Beautiful post.

Unknown said...

Happy belated World Down Syndrome day! What a sweet girl you have!!! so happy to have found your blog!
Katie