When I sat down to write about World Down Syndrome Day, different thoughts popped into my head. I envisaged starting with the origin of this day, for example, explaining why 21 March was chosen and ramble on about the 3rd copy of chromosome 21. But that sounded too scientific. Then I thought about mentioning that the Empire State Building will be lit up to commemorate this special day, but we’re not American. I could also state that it’s the 10th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, but as Nicholas is 2 years old, it hasn’t really held much significance for us until 2013.
So I decided to rather write about what this day means to our family and to especially Nicholas. What we’ve always wanted, since we found out after birth that Nicholas had Down syndrome, was that he’d be accepted for who he is. We wanted him to be defined by his character, his personality and not by that extra chromosome. Right from the beginning, we hoped to raise Nicholas as we do his two brothers and be able to give him every available opportunity. Yes, we know that there will always be limitations placed on him – no one walking this earth is perfect, but don’t we all just want to be given a chance?
Too many times, we focus on the things we can’t do and forget about those we can, our unique abilities that make us who we are. So today, I don’t want to think about the milestones Nicholas hasn’t yet achieved, his next medical check-up or his next therapy session. I want to honour and celebrate the person he is right at this very moment, a true blessing in our lives. I cling onto the hope that through the awareness of World Down Syndrome Day and everyone involved in acknowledging these extraordinary people, Nicholas has a very bright future ahead of him. There is still a long road ahead and many hurdles to overcome, but I know that his dreams and aspirations have the possibility of coming true. It’s what every parent wants for their child and Nicholas is no exception.
Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
