March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), a day that resonates deeply with me as a parent of two young children. In the chaos of toddlerhood, it’s easy to lose track of the days, but the anticipation surrounding this occasion is impossible to ignore. My social media feeds have been buzzing with invitations to participate in events like “rock your socks” and “see the ability” initiatives.
Being part of the Down syndrome (DS) community fills me with pride, and I believe that every individual with DS deserves recognition every single day. Yet, there have been moments when I considered sitting this one out, wishing I could take a brief hiatus from the complexities that come with DS. For instance, one day, I walked into my typical daughter’s room and found her unzipping the pajamas of my daughter with DS, Sarah. Sarah struggles with the dexterity required for this task, something her younger sister, Lily, has mastered. While I found it endearing, my mind drifted to the future—what if, decades from now, Lily had to care for Sarah if she were to face Alzheimer’s, a risk amplified by her extra chromosome?
These thoughts are part of the reality of parenting a child with DS. I often grapple with feelings of guilt when considering family vacations, knowing the financial strain that may impact Sarah’s future care. Other parents may face similar challenges, but the knowledge of what lies ahead can weigh heavily on us in the DS community.
Despite these concerns, I have developed a profound appreciation for the unique qualities that come with Down syndrome. When I see babies out and about, I sometimes feel a pang of disappointment when they don’t exhibit the familiar traits associated with DS. Spotting another individual with DS ignites a sense of connection with families who share similar experiences, joys, and challenges. While DS is a facet of Sarah’s identity, it doesn’t define her; it enriches her character, making her the most vibrant, loving, and determined person in my life.
What once kept me awake at night—worrying that Sarah would only be seen through the lens of her DS—now empowers me. Each interaction she has leaves people smiling, high-fiving, and rethinking what it means to live with Down syndrome. With many countries advocating for the prenatal termination of DS pregnancies, I take solace in the fact that Sarah challenges outdated perceptions simply by being herself. My life is undeniably enriched by her presence. However, that’s not the sole reason I’m determined to celebrate WDSD this year.
Recently, Sarah received a set of blocks intended for Lily, who has shown a knack for building impressive structures. Sarah, on the other hand, has fine motor delays that make it difficult for her to align and press the blocks correctly. I watched her with admiration as she persistently tried to place a block, reminding me of her capability with a firm “Help, no!” Meanwhile, Lily effortlessly created a multi-layered structure while Sarah’s creation leaned precariously. But when Sarah finally succeeded, she jumped up, ran to me, and demanded a double high-five and a hug, repeating the joyous ritual with every block she placed.
Isn’t it true that we could all benefit from celebrating our small victories? Every block placed, every lesson learned, and every step forward deserves recognition. If we adopted an attitude of gratitude and joy in our daily lives, we might find ourselves overflowing with happiness. Sarah exemplifies how to embrace life’s challenges with unwavering determination and a unique sense of success. She dances freely, laughs heartily, and builds her own structures, regardless of conventional expectations. Her resilience is a testament to the beauty of authenticity.
This World Down Syndrome Day, I encourage everyone to celebrate like Sarah and countless others with DS: cherish the small milestones, embrace differences, spread joy, and create your own narrative, unbothered by outside opinions. For more information on supporting families like ours, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination here. If you’re interested in home insemination options, consider reading about our cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo.
In summary, celebrating World Down Syndrome Day is more than just a recognition of the challenges associated with DS; it’s about acknowledging the joy, connection, and love that individuals like Sarah bring to our lives.
Keyphrase: Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
Tags: Down syndrome, parenting, celebration, family, awareness, resilience, joy