World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
- heathermason
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Today is Down Syndrome (DS) Awareness Day. The 21st of the 3rd month symbolises three copies of chromosome 21.
I can't sugarcoat this year; it has been the hardest of our 16-year journey in the world of DS.
As our son is reaching adulthood, advocacy and awareness seem to have never been more important. I accept that we live in a country 40 years behind many other countries in terms of education and inclusion, so I was always aware it wouldn't be easy (but when is parenting ever easy?).
People don't see what we see, though; they underestimate his capabilities and close doors on opportunities.
This year, we have been told that;
🌥️ His dreams are unrealistic (they are not!).
⛅ I am unrealistic (I am not!).
🌪️ I should accept his health challenges because they come with the territory (I will not!).
No, no and no!
This young lad has brought things to our lives that we could never have possibly understood without his presence. There is a richness that has helped me personally and professionally.
I can't deny that I also have sadness, frustration and exhaustion that the constant fight brings to me.
HOWEVER, today, I am celebrating my beautiful, kind, funny, charming, affectionate, creative and stubborn lad that I am beyond proud to call my son; the best film buff and the most wonderful company. I will not stop fighting for him to reach his dreams. There is a place for him in society, and we will find it for him.
I would like to ask you to take one thing from DS awareness day. A phrase from last year's campaign "Assume that I can, so maybe I will"
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