31 for 21: Shine

As I sit here this morning thinking about  all the fun we had at the Buddy Walk yesterday, and all the people I've met these last three years since Emmie burst on to the scene, I really cannot imagine my life any other way. Down syndrome is and always will be part of my life. I am grateful for that. My life is better because of that.


I'm not afraid of Down syndrome anymore. I don't buy into the stereotypes that society has made up. The myths about Down syndrome are almost laughable to me... now.


Why then, in this day and age , are so many people still living in caves when it comes to Down syndrome. And forgive me, but too many of those people are in the medical profession. There are of course some very good and supportive doctors out there, the ones that encourage and congratulate you on the blessing of Down syndrome, but they are few and far between.

Why is it that the words Down syndrome can still set a fear in people that send them into a tailspin. A fear so strong that most think their only way out, their only salvation, is to end the life of their poor cursed baby before it ever has a chance to see the light of day.   


Why can't people listen to others and believe that Down syndrome is a gift? That people with Down syndrome are simply magical? 


I'll tell you why. Because for most people, myself included, it is unbelievable. It's inconceivable that a child born with any disability would be a good thing. I mean we pray as mothers for healthy children.  Why would you be happy to have a child who will always have to work harder to do everything?  It just doesn't make sense... 


...until, you live it. Until you hold it in your arms and inhale every miraculous fiber of it. Then and only then are your eyes fully opened to the blessing of Down syndrome. 

So what are we to do? We can't give every person a child with Down syndrome. We can't force people to believe what we are saying.How do we reach people who don't understand. People like the person I used to be.


We keep on keeping on. We "fight the good fight" We persevere. We celebrate our kids loud and often for all to see! 


There's a song by the Newsboys that speaks about glorifying the Lord but there is a line in there that makes me think of us, advocating for our kids and what we need to do, continually to open eyes and hearts.

Shine
Make 'em wonder what you've got
Make 'em wish that they were not
On the outside looking bored 
 So SHINE! Just as our kids do we need to SHINE. Til people realize what we've got!