The Face of Down Syndrome

As you look through these pictures you'll see lots of pictures of my kids. You'll see a few of Rob & me. You know what else you'll see? You're going to see other people with & without Down syndrome. Why you ask? Because they're all the face of Down syndrome. In one way or another, they are apart of our lives. They are along on this journey with us. They have supported us through the worst part of Down syndrome and cheered with us through the best. 


They are family, friends, acquaintances..... They are fellow mommies, sons, daughters. 


Why do a post like this? Why say all people are the face of Down syndrome? Surely you sprinkled something funny on your cereal this morning, you say? I fight everyday for my son to be included in things my daughter will always take for granted. Things you & your kids probably take or took for granted. I fight everyday for my daughter to know that Sean is just like her. He's different like she's different. He's unique like she's unique. And yet.... no one will ever question her when she gets her high school diploma. No one will ever say she doesn't deserve or can't reach a college diploma. 


No one will ever say that the other people in this post are "retarded" or "special" and therefore can't do things and shouldn't try. No one will every pity them with the head tilt and say "as long as you keep teaching him......." or my favorite so far "I know someone with Down syndrome and they're so sweet. People with Down syndrome are always so loving." 


So look at these pictures. Enjoy these pictures. Know that every single one of these people and every single one of these people is affected by the way you view Down syndrome. 


When you say things like "oh that poor family" when they see someone with Down syndrome, they will think of me & Sean and wonder. Wonder whether or not they should feel sorry for us. Wonder whether they should stick up for our happiness even though we're not there to know someone pitied "us". 


This is the face of Down syndrome. My face, his face, their faces, YOUR face. 




























































 





See how many people are "affected" by Down syndrome. And Sean's only been around for a year!