Happy October AND Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! This is our third year celebrating and spreading awareness. I never expected to be on this journey in life, but I'm so glad I am.
As parents of a child who has Down syndrome, we don't want to hear him called a "Downs" child and we certainly don't want to hear "I'm sorry" in regards to his diagnosis. I promise you that we are not sorry.
Prior to having Liam, I thought I knew exactly what Down syndrome was. The reality? I KNEW NOTHING. I judged based on appearance. Liam opened my eyes and showed me EVERYTHING I was missing.
And there's an awful lot to miss.
The number one thing I want people to realize about Liam is this: Down syndrome is only a FRACTION of who he is. He is so much more than a diagnosis.
Liam is a happy, healthy, smart little boy who loves to smile, laugh, play, and get messy. Just like any other boy.
He is clever, strong, and determined.
He is capable.
He loves to read, play outside, and leave a path of destruction behind him at all times.
He immediately starts dancing as soon as he hears music and he talks constantly.
He is fully aware of everything going on around him.
He loves with all his might, and captivates people with his amazing smile.
He is a blessing.
Liam is an individual, just like everyone else. He may have Down syndrome, but he doesn't have every single characteristic of Down syndrome. He has his own features, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, and traits that make him unique.
When people meet Liam, I hope they notice everything that makes him so special before they judge him based on his diagnosis.
This month, we encourage everyone to look past Down syndrome and discover the individual.
Look for beauty in that face. I guarantee you'll find it. Dig deeper and find out exactly who that person really is. If you just take the time to look, you will discover that person with Down syndrome is a person just like any other.
Having a child who has Down syndrome forever changed us. We're not sorry and we're not suffering. He is Liam and he is loved!
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Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! You took some awesome picture of Liam; his smile is the BEST!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Annette!
DeleteSuch a great reason to celebrate! I hope you have the best month full of fun enjoying your sweet Liam.
ReplyDeleteThank you! XOXO
DeleteThe sweetest pics! The few people with Downs that I have been privileged to know, have been the biggest joy spreaders! I have no doubt that your little guy will change many lives for the better. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAwww, thank you, Kelly!
DeleteHe's the cutest! Liam puts a smile on my face every time I visit your blog! :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, sweet friend! XOXO
DeleteThat shirt is brilliant! He is so handsome and what a great message! Why do boys inherently love making a mess? This is SO TRUE! Love this post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lauren!!! They do love making messes, don't they?!?
Delete"Home with an extra Chromie" - LOL, love that!! I swear that boy is always smiling and what an infectious smile, too!!!
ReplyDeleteHe does smile a lot! XOXO
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