Awareness

October is officially Down Syndrome Awareness Month, so, to do my part, here's some info . . . a little early. It's almost October! :)

• Down syndrome is a common genetic variation which usually causes delay in physical, intellectual and language development.
• Of all children born in this country annually, approximately 5,000 will have Down syndrome.
• There is wide variation in mental abilities, behavior and physical development in individuals with Down syndrome. Each individual has his/her own unique personality, capabilities and talents.
• Individuals with Down syndrome benefit from loving homes, early intervention, inclusive education, appropriate medical care and positive public attitudes.
• In adulthood, many persons with Down syndrome hold jobs, live independently and enjoy recreational opportunities in their communities.

Since William was born, I have heard a lot of wonderfully kind comments from people who have had a good experience with at least one person who has Down syndrome. I am grateful that so many people out there are predisposed, either from their own experience or things they've heard, to think well of William just because he has Down syndrome. I am also grateful beyond measure for those who look at him and see, not "Down syndrome", but "William". He really is an individual, here on earth with his own package of strengths and challenges. His extra chromosome is just one of the things that makes him who he is, and is not even the most defining. Speaking of definitions, this is how the dictionary defines the word "special":

• of a distinct or particular kind or character
• being a particular one; particular, individual, or certain
• pertaining or peculiar to a particular person, thing, instance, etc.; distinctive; unique
• having a specific or particular function, purpose, etc.
• distinguished or different from what is ordinary or usual
• extraordinary; exceptional, as in amount or degree; especial

William does fall into the "special needs" category (needing extra help with some things that come easily to most) because he has Down syndrome. He also has some special strengths, things that come more easily to him than they do to many others. I don't know that I can say that every child with Down syndrome has exactly the same strengths, any more than I can say that every child with Down syndrome has exactly the same challenges. But I do know that with all challenges, the Lord gives compensatory blessings.

William is special because he has Down syndrome in the sense that "special" equals "different from what is ordinary or usual". To me, though, William isn't special ("extraordinary; exceptional") because he has Down syndrome; he's special because he is William. Jonathan was not born with Down syndrome, but he is special because he is Jonathan. Each and every one of us is special . . . with his or her own unique needs, strengths, talents and difficulties. Our individual differences are what makes each of us "special" and needed. We're all of value. Each and every person, no matter what challenges they have, has a "specific function, purpose" to perform in this life. William is not special because he is "different" any more or less than any of us is special because we are different. It's like Aunt Eller says in Oklahoma, "I don't say I'm better than anybody else . . ., But I'll be danged if I aint just as good!"
 
Before we had William, I was uncomfortable around anyone with an obvious disability, not knowing what to think or do. Now I know that people with disabilities are people, just like everybody else. I'm sure they want to be treated that way.

David and I want to thank you all for the wonderful love and support that you give our family.

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Love,
'Becca