world down syndrome day

Monday, March 21, 2011


Today is the 6th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day....each year this day gets a little bigger.  It's an important day for those of us with a connection to Down syndrome as we strive to create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.

I must admit that before I had Beckett I really didn't know anyone with Down syndrome...I sure do now!  I have met some amazing parents, we meet online, through social media, in the mall, on the phone - it's wonderful. We have an instant connection.  I have laughed and cried with people I have just met.  We have shared our deepest fears.  We have grown together. We are connected.

Beckett came into our lives and changed it for the better.  Everyone who meets B falls in love, they can't help it.  Each day our little boy teaches us something new....we are lucky to have him hold our hearts. 

So, if you know someone with Down syndrome - lucky you.  If you don't,  I'd love it if you would take a small moment today to think of the 5.8 million people in the world with Down syndrome (35,000 in Canada)....and how they make our world a better place.

On a side note, the 2011 Canadian Down Syndrome Conference is May 20 - May 22 in Richmond, British Columbia. 




10 comments:

Poot & Boogie said...

Happy world Ds Day to you and your family. We are celebrating our first this year, and are proud to share it with everyone we know!

It was really nice chatting with you!

Victor said...

that's a great picture of beckett! all the best to you and your family!

Jan Halvarson said...

What a sweet sweet picture!

Pinecone Camp said...

Beckett just couldn't be more cute. I haven't know anyone with Down Syndrome until I met Beckett. He's a fantastic little man.

Krista said...

I saw you are speaking. Very exciting!Happy World Down Syndrome Day

karen said...

As a teenager, I lucked into a work experience opportunity through my school to work with what was then called the "special needs" program at a local elementary school. I'm pretty sure it gave my teachers a well earned weekly day off of me as well ... but that's a different topic.

I had the immense fortune of working with a couple of unforgettable boys with Down Syndrome, as well as a very unique little boy with autism. Those are the three children of some 50 who still make me smile regularly some 30 years later (!).

I don't think we choose our challenges, we just get them. It's how we rise to the occasion that truly counts.

Carolyn said...

So adorable and sweet picture!

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cherish said...

Thanks for sharing a wee bit of your life Tamara!

Tash said...

Beckett is beautiful, I can see how everyone who meets him falls in love with him.

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