31 for 21 Post #1!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!!  We were unaware, but we're still new to all of this, so we'll be excused for our ignorance this year!  For the past five years, there has been an online event called "31 for 21," in which bloggers are encouraged to write 31 blog posts in as many days that spread information about DS (aka Trisomy 21 or T21; hence the clever name).  I'm obviously already a few days behind but I'm going to attempt the challenge.  I figure it will help me find out more about DS myself.

I can already tell you that I've learned how lucky we are to have Mara B, Down Syndrome or no!  She is an absolute doll and the sweetest little baby girl--we all are just oozing with love for her!  As I was unlocking the door this afternoon, Aidan bent over her car seat and said, "Aww, Mara B--little peanut!" and gave her a sweet little kiss.  That about sums it up for all of us!

I also feel incredibly lucky because every parent I've spoken with whose child has Down Syndrome has told me what a blessing it is...and I don't think you hear that with every genetic condition.  These parents don't sugar-coat everything--they are sure to mention that it is a challenge, but they reiterate often how their son or daughter has taught them patience, acceptance, persistence, love, and has helped them realize and prioritize the important things in their lives.  I hear them say that their son or daughter is their biggest inspiration, has made them a better person, a better spouse, and has made their family stronger.  I think most parents could say that about any child, but there seems to be something extra (and not just a chromosome--ha ha, sorry-- couldn't help myself!) about these children and individuals that brings a great deal of love and joy to the world.  

My wish for my daughter as well as for others with Down Syndrome and other disabilities is that they feel happy and satisfied with their lives and accepted by others.  If I think about it, this is really what I wish for everyone I know (I really am a hippie at heart), but I hope that through these wonderful people, others will grow to be more accepting of people who are "different" for whatever reason.  I hope that Mara has a "radical sense of self-acceptance" (a great saying I am stealing from another mom) because I truly believe that when you like yourself, you exude an energy that others are drawn to, and they can't help but like and admire you.

I feel lucky that Mara was born in 2011, at a time when great advancements have been made in our society that will help her lead a full, fulfilling life.  Medical advancements have made it possible to remove two cataracts from her eyes when she was six and seven weeks old and have doubled the life expectancy of people with DS in the decades since the 1980s (and will hopefully continue to raise that average!).  Advances in our educational philosophies have shown us the value of inclusion instead of institutionalization and help to assure that Mara will be able to attend classes with her peers, regardless of her genetic condition.  I am grateful that our options for her never included someone telling me that she wasn't going to be able to do anything or that we should put her away.  I am grateful to live in a city where we have ample resources, be they medical, educational, or social, to help us along every step of the way.  I'm grateful to have so many wonderful friends and family members, particularly my amazing husband and son, to love and care for this little girl.

Overall, I am still new to this journey, but am grateful for all that I have to feel lucky about.  And it all boils down to this little lovebug.  Whoever says Down Syndrome is a genetic imperfection has it all wrong--after all, this is the picture of perfection: