Resting on World Down Syndrome Day

Today is March 21, or the 21st day of the third month of the year, 3-21. 3-21 is also a significant number in the Down syndrome community as it represents the third chromosome of the 21^st set, which is the cause of Down syndrome.

Tens of thousands of families with children with Down syndrome as well as people with Down syndrome are wearing T-21 tee shirts, mismatched socks,  and donning yellow and blue for Down syndrome awareness day. Me, I am sharing others' posts and liking lots and lots of statuses, but beyond that I am a wall flower at this great big wonderful party. You can read lots of these great stories at the "Day in the Life" series.

Perhaps I am tired, I have advocated for Alex for twenty years and now she is in college. For twenty years every single waking hour was spent thinking about or advocating for Alex. I now live by myself, all three kids are in college and my husband has left. I am on to the next phase of my life, graduate school and a future in policy as it impacts people with disabilities. Down syndrome is not part of my day to day life and to me that is the way it is supposed to be. Kids grow-up and move on, just like everyone else.

So today I am not wearing a T-21 tee shirt or mismatched socks, I am in Boulder picking my son up for spring break. I did not bring yellow or blue, and doubt I will even see anyone who is wearing anything related to Down syndrome today. Today I am merely a mom of three incredible, amazing kids. Yes, we have been graced by Down syndrome and yes it was my life for 20 years, but it is not anymore.

My “day in the life” has passed. I have no idea what will happen when Alex graduates in 2017 and I can’t worry about that now. But for tens of thousands of other families World Down Syndrome Day is important and the awareness these parents are creating today is unmeasurable. I applaud each and every effort as I sit here, take a deep breath and rest.  Alex and I did it….we got through school, got through graduation and got to college. It was an amazing journey and kept me on my toes for twenty years, but today I rest and save my energy for the future. I’m sure I will need it.

Today we were noted as number five in the top seven things about Down syndrome in Tiffany’s blog. Check it out and note the reference to our book. It is geared for young families and shares our journey. It may be meaningful to you.

5. College opportunities! Did you know that there are over 250 college programs nationwide that are tailored for kids just like Ellie? How awesome is that? In the weeks after I had Ellie I reached out to the Down syndrome support group on Babycenter, and met Margaret "Gary" Bender. Her daughter Alex is AMAZING. Alex is now 20 and last year she won the bronze medal for downhill skiing in the Special Olympics in S. Korea. Today she is a freshman at the University of Cincinnati in the TAP Program. I read Gary's book From Grief to Celebration in the first month of Ellie's life and it was so encouraging and uplifting for me. It was just what I needed at the time to realize Ellie's future is so bright. Alex is such an amazing role model and I'm grateful for mothers like Gary who have paved the way for new moms like me. What a community of support! There's a great site to find college programs for special needs in your area called Think College. I'm thinking Oregon State needs a program like this.... who knows what'll be available in 17 years ;) (GO BEAVS!)

 

I also like this video, it says it all to me.

 
And finally, the superstar who has made this amazing life possible.

Today I am going to celebrate what we have accomplished and how Alex is living her life just like she wants. Alex creates awareness every day..... All by herself.

If you have not liked our page, it is a good way to stay on top of the ups and downs of college (and inclusive education) for a person with a development/intellectual disability. I have no idea what is going to happen....but I will share the good and the bad. Please click on 

The Ordinary Life of an Extraordinary Girl