World Down Syndrome Day!!

Today is March 21st aka 3/21 and marks the 6th annual World Down Syndrome Day. This date was chose because Down syndrome is also known as T21 or 3 copies of the chromosome 21. It is day that is meant to promote awareness for our children!

Years ago in our own country children like Jacob and Joshua would be labeled unteachable and worthy of institutional care. Parents would be encouraged to send them away and forget about them!

Oh BABY we have come a long way since then!! We still have a way to go though. We have learned how much early intervention helps our children and how they DO learn and thrive just like any other child. People with Down syndrome do not need to be pitied or felt sorry for. They are not suffering... They are more alike than they are different. They have the same needs as anyone else and the only limits and barriers they have are what others put in front of them. 

I have the same goals, desires, and expectations of Jacob as any of my other children. He will achieve his potential just like all my children will. He may take a little longer but he will get there. He has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities and taught me more in his 2 1/2 years than I could have ever imagined. 

Yesterday I spoke about how high the abortion rate is for women that find out they are carrying a child who happens to have that extra something. I won't debate the whole abortion topic but it saddens me. It saddens me because I was told by the doctor who performed my in-vitro that he was Catholic and still would abort Jacob. It saddens me that before he even was born he was being dismissed. It saddens me that there are women out there who will abort based upon out dated information and the fear of what if. They will miss out on the greatest opportunity and a joy that is indescribable.

Joshua's country still does not place value on our children. My hope is that through Reece's Rainbow and our efforts to advocate for special needs children will open that country's heart and eyes to the value of these children. There are parents over there that want their children yet their society is not accepting so they are forced to send their children away. So while we celebrate this day- keep in mind that there are still places in this world that need to be educated! 

To Jacob- thank you for being you and opening my eyes to a new world! Momma loves you so incredibly much!! You had me that first ultrasound!!

To Joshua- I will never forget the first time I saw your picture. You may not have grown inside me but you have grown in my heart. You are loved and we are coming soon to bring you home. You will never be alone again!

Now Jacob and I have a date with a happy meal to celebrate.. yes I know how healthy!!