True celebration of 3/21

World Down Syndrome Day

It's been a while since I last posted and of course couldn't let the near-approaching occasion of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21) pass without comment. (I promise I will not complain against the use of the outdated stereotypical label again this year!)

I just watched the news broadcast of some hometown athletes returning from Sochi with gold medals in the paraolympics. I also have been made aware by my 86 year old Dancing-With-The-Stars-loving mother that one of the women competing has bilateral lower extremity prosthetics - and is a snowboarder.

This leads me to wonder, what were these people told to expect when they were either born without legs, or lost the use of them? No doubt there was sadness at such an accident, but when the shock wore off, what were they told to expect? Were they told not to worry, an olympic medal could be in their future? Where they told they would someday be able to competitively ballroom dance?

I'd like to think so, and maybe they were. More likely, they were given cautiously optimistic outcomes. Most likely, it was their family who refused to believe these things were not possible and working under that assumption, set out to provide a lifetime full of opportunity.

So,  this year Lucas and I would like to celebrate his extra 21st chromosome by sharing with you his top 21 accomplishments since last "World Down Syndrome Day." (And it was hard to narrow it down to only 21!)

1. Lucas learned to skate, and is now talking about...I have no idea what I will do with 3 of them in hockey, but I'm sure I can figure it out!

2. Lucas graduated from preschool...

3. ...and started home-school.

4. Lucas started home school as a kindergartner but soon blew through curriculum - already knowing geography it was easy to start narrowing it down, studying ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Africa, and Asia.
5. Firmly established himself as the Wheel of Fortune Champion, much to his older brother''s chagrin

6. Finished the first grade spelling book by February.
7. Has read more books on the Presidents than I even knew existed...

8. Went another calendar year without a cold.
9  Runs a 12 minute mile!
10. Has begun Latin. Ego sum et nauta et agricola.
11. Survived sledding with Ryan!

12. Finished his first ever book report.
13. ...and diorama
14   ...and Map of NY

15. Loves Science class at the Buffalo Museum of Science
16. Is quite the bubble hockey player
17. Learned how to tell time.
18. We wont even discuss this one.

19. Can write and draw and add.
20. Is second only to Ryan on the monkey bars
21. Absolutely owns my heart!

Thank You for your emails and messages, you are all an inspiration! If you are not already a member, please join us on The Down Syndrome Action Plan fb group - over 500 strong and growing with like-minded, progressive, brilliant members!

Happy 3/21!
Geralyn and Lucas