Saturday, March 21, 2009

World Down Syndrome Day


Today is World Down Syndrome Day! Today (3/21) was chosen because people with Down syndrome are born with a third copy of the 21st chromosome. For me, today is a day to celebrate Antalya for who she is. While others may look at her and see stereotypes, prejudices, and disabilities, when I look at her I see her beautiful blue eyes, her radiant smile with the cute little dimple, her cute curly hair, her passion for life, her energy and enthusiasm for discovering new things, her bubbly personality, and the immense love she has to share with all around her. She is my beautiful daughter, who, in my eyes is perfect.

She has taught me to see others in a new light, to see the beauty we all possess. She has taught me how to love without holding back. She has taught me to have patience with others who are different than me or who do things differently than I do. She has taught me to have hope in the future, and to not put limits on people's abilities.

Today I am grateful that my life has been touched by Down syndrome, as a result, I hope I am a better person, and a better mother than I would have been.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your daughter is sooo beautiful :) Happy DS Day!! I have 3 year old identical twins with DS who have me celebrating today and I'm enjoying seeing new families via the 5 minutes for special needs page today.

Anonymous said...

Found you through 5Min.
I have 2 sons, my youngest has Down Syndrome.
Your daughter is beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your feelings about having a child with DS. I feel the same way.

Laura said...

Bravo, I love this post and your sweet heart. Antalya is a very precious girl made perfect by the creator.

Michelle said...

what a beautiful, moving post!! I loved it! Happy WDSD to you :)

Cranberryfries said...

Great post Sunny! Antalya is a doll and we've enjoyed sitting with her in church. She has so much love to share!

Unknown said...

Oh she is gorgeous...Happy World Down Syndrome Day to you too. We live in Utah as well and have a 6 month little girl with DS. She has been such a blessing and this journey even if it's only 6 months into it, has been amazing...It's been great to find so many other families, other children, other friends!!

heidi @ ggip said...

Excellent sentiments and your daughter is perfectly cute!

Jan said...

I second everything you wrote. She's OUR little angel, too, you know, and we can't fathom the world without her captivating smile.

kristi said...

Your blog is a blessing.