Everything happens for a reason

Dear readers,

It's almost down syndrome awareness month, and we couldn't be more excited. Thanks to our precious Laksh, this is our second year celebrating the unique and talented people with Down syndrome.

The more I think, the more I feel like Laksh and us were meant to happen no matter what. I know its silly but I always keep looking for omens, like God is trying to guide me through these signs. I am sure, you guys are aware that Down syndrome is caused by a third copy of the 21st chromosome, which incidentally happens to be my husband (3rd) and my birth date's (21st). If this isn't God telling us he got it, then I don't know what is.

God's favorite child

In today's time, children and adults with down syndrome are achieving so much and paving the path with success for all of us to follow. They are giving us "hope", something that unfortunately most of the medical world never does. You may have heard some doctors saying that your baby will always be happy, which some how paints them to be different than other kids. I have heard so many parents with typical kids telling me their kid is a happy child. How is that different from a baby with down syndrome being happy? And most importantly, your child will experience an array of emotions, just like anyone else. It is just that they might be easier to forgive you and move on. Live in the present and be kind. 

One thing that irritates me the most is how doctors let down syndrome define your child's life. Anything I say Laksh is feeling, the answer is because is has hypotonia. I remember once I asked his doctor about excessive salivation and she said he has low tone in his mouth, but in reality it was because he was teething. You have to remember that this news will not over power your life. In fact, in a while it will slide into the background and you will just have good and bad days like anyone else which has nothing to do with down syndrome and everything to do with having a baby. You may have heard of Mikayla Holmgren - the first Miss USA contestant with Down syndrome, she once said in an interview that she has down syndrome on the side. I absolutely loved that and feel that is the best way to make people realize how it is not what defines you but just something you happen to have.

Also, more recently a 19 year old with Down syndrome won an international beauty pageant. Read more about her here:

https://metro.co.uk/2018/08/20/girl-with-downs-syndrome-wins-international-beauty-pageant-7858920/

Could become a teacher, you never know

To mention a few more to make us see the ABILITY and not the disability in people.

Angela Bachiller from Spain became the first person with Down syndrome to ever be elected as a councilwoman

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ángela_Bachiller

Sujeet Desai from USA plays seven muscial instruments including the violin, piano, saxophone and trumpet

http://www.sujeet.com/

Megan McCormick from USA is the first person with Down syndrome to graduate with honors from a technical college

https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/community/article44423688.html

Pablo Pineda earned a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology and has gone on to be a writer, speaker, and actor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Pineda

Ruby Plachta is a 7 year old awesome kid living with her parents and older sister in Texas and has already helped so many adults with down syndrome to attend college. 

https://rubysrainbow.org/

Madeline Stuart is an Australian to become  the world's first professional model with Down syndrome. 
http://www.madelinestuartmodel.com/

Isabella Springmuhl Tejada is a 20-year-old fashion designer from Guatemala.
https://aplus.com/a/fashion-designer-with-down-syndrome-isabella-springmuhl?no_monetization=true

John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome is a co-founder John’s Crazy Socks
https://johnscrazysocks.com/

Laksh walking towards success while rocking his ponytail

These are just a few examples of how these young adults are shattering the image of what or how someone with Down syndrome should be. These talented individuals have so much determination that nothing can keep them down. Nothing can stop them and my Laksh from succeeding in life. All we need to do is believe. Thank you for reading. Remember to always be kind.