March 21 – The day that we Celebrate Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome also known as Trisomy 21.

This is my somewhat annual reflection and thoughts regarding Down Syndrome. As I think about what to write this year, one topic that has come up recently here in the media is abortion and Down Syndrome.

Heidi Crowter has been speaking out against the fact that the law allows abortion after 24 weeks for severe fetal abnormality.

While this is an old article it is one that I found in the past few months. Basically, this article is saying that prenatal testing for Down Syndrome has resulted in a reduction of Down Syndrome children being born. To quote a doctor there “found that there is a positive impact of Down syndrome screening on Taiwanese births.”

It important to me because Miss K was born there. I remember when she was in the NICU one of the nurses saying to me, “she is lucky so many of them don’t make it.” Meaning that so many babies with Down Syndrome are aborted.

I believe that life begins at conception. I believe that each of us is made in God’s image. Abortion was never an option.

What would be missing?

The excitement for life. Miss K loves life and celebrates each day. She begins planning her next birthday the day after celebrating her birthday. She starts talking about next Christmas on 26 December.

The words of encouragement given to so many people. She is able to say things that give a smile to so many people. It might be the compliment, “I like your skirt.” or  “I like your dog.” People say, “thank you” and walk away with a smile.

The care and concern she has for so many people. She wants to know people’s names. She will often ask, “What is so and so  doing?” I realize that is her way of saying, “I am thinking about that person.”

Lots of memories would be forgotten. She remembers various people that served her ice cream for dessert. She remembers the flavor of ice cream that she had at Our Cow Molly or other places. She might even know the best place for milkshakes in the city. Yes, she loves ice cream and chocolate.

Thankful for Down Syndrome

Yes, I am thankful for Down Syndrome. I have learned so much about God through Down Syndrome.

God’s patience

God’s gentleness

God’s love and joy for each of us

Celebrate Down Syndrome

Today I celebrate life. I celebrate Down Syndrome.

Thank you Miss K for making life fun.

 

Here is the post that I wrote for 2019.