It's 3/21-Happy World Down Syndrome Day! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SwampYankee · #1 03-21-2013, 10:09 AM

As many of you know, my 10 yo middle son was born with Down syndrome. While I can see why many wouldn't understand how having a child Ds would be something to celebrate, I can honestly say he was the best thing to ever happen to me. And I'm not alone. For that very reason, those of us with kids or family members with Ds, view World Down Syndrome Day as a special day. The date was chosen because Ds is a result of a third copy of the 21st chromosome.

I'm so very proud of his accomplishments, the way he "touches" and changes people, the way he treats everyone the same way regardless of appearance (walking over and giving a big biker-looking dude a high five at a basketball game for ex.), the way he makes me appreciate the milestones my other kids attain (I'm embarrassed to say I took a lot of that for granted before he was born

), how every kid in his school knows his name and he knows theirs. While there are many stereotypes about the kind, loving and gentle nature of kids and folks with Ds, and on balance they probably tend to be more so than not, they are just like everyone else and have their own personalities.

This link goes to an ESPN E:60 segment called Perfect (just a heads up that it is just over 14 min.). It emotionally recounts the transformation of a father by the birth of his daughter, who happens to have Ds. While I never got to the same point as the father, I did ride that same emotional roller coaster with very much the same outcome. Our kids have changed us for the better.

I love you, Garrett. I'm a better person and our community is a better place because of you. It's indeed a day to celebrate.

The Clk Man · #2 03-21-2013, 10:34 AM

Hope the boy has a great time today.

Aquaticedge · #3 03-21-2013, 10:43 AM

Never a Disability, just a Different ability, Have a good day!

Txjake · #4 03-21-2013, 11:32 AM

Go Garrett!

SwampYankee · #5 03-21-2013, 02:56 PM

Thanks, guys. He's a great kid and every bit as much a PITA as his typical brothers and sister!

sunedog · #6 03-21-2013, 03:49 PM

From one father to another, I'm very happy for you and your son. Your love for your son shines brightly in your writing.

Stoneseller · #7 03-21-2013, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

Happy DSD Garrett!!!!!!!!!!

Who is this the old dude with the curly hair & funky shirt in your photo?

The Clk Man · #8 03-21-2013, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

Never a Disability, just a Different ability, Have a good day!

Well stated.

SwampYankee · #9 03-21-2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoneseller

Happy DSD Garrett!!!!!!!!!!

Who is this the old dude with the curly hair & funky shirt in your photo?

Just one of the calypso band members that plays at our annual CT DS Congress summer picnic. G saddled on up to one of the bongos while they were playing, much to my and my wife's initial horror (the drummer waved us off as we were going to retrieve him) and joined right in.

TheDon · #10 03-21-2013, 09:18 PM

Kids with DS are awesome to interact with at Disney. I'm a photographer so half of the time all I do is play with the guests and kids and if I am with a character and the line isn't that bad they just have a blast with it. There's nothing like seeing the kid light up to Mickey Mouse playing and having fun with the kid. Just talking to those kids is fun because they will go on and on about what they are up to and you can really make their day by giving them a sticker or playing a simple game with them. I remember one kid wanted to take my picture with his camera so I showed him what I do and had him pretend to be me. What a blast.

Every now and then the parents "warn us" that their kid is "special needs" or "is special" But I usually tell them, no he/she isn't. They are awesome and fun. It doesn't matter to me if your kid is in a wheel chair, has DS or some sort of disorder that makes them different. At Disney every child is the treated the same, just as if they were the only kid in the park. It's their world when step onto the WDW property.

SwampYankee · #11 03-22-2013, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

Kids with DS are awesome to interact with at Disney. I'm a photographer so half of the time all I do is play with the guests and kids and if I am with a character and the line isn't that bad they just have a blast with it. There's nothing like seeing the kid light up to Mickey Mouse playing and having fun with the kid. Just talking to those kids is fun because they will go on and on about what they are up to and you can really make their day by giving them a sticker or playing a simple game with them. I remember one kid wanted to take my picture with his camera so I showed him what I do and had him pretend to be me. What a blast.

Every now and then the parents "warn us" that their kid is "special needs" or "is special" But I usually tell them, no he/she isn't. They are awesome and fun. It doesn't matter to me if your kid is in a wheel chair, has DS or some sort of disorder that makes them different. At Disney every child is the treated the same, just as if they were the only kid in the park. It's their world when step onto the WDW property.

Very cool, J! We're saving up for a trip to Disney with the kids (probably going to take a couple years

). I can't wait to see the look on G's and his little brother's face!