Celebrating Victories
Babies are amazing. Even with babies we don’t know but pass in the super market or mall, we find ourselves often stopping, to say “Hi “to or coo and fuss over, or we do our best to make them smile. Memories of our own little ones flood our senses and cause us to smile and in some small way tickle the desire to just want to hold one again; to cuddle and love on these precious little ones so dependent on our care.
Even teen girls are quick to pick up a little one. I’ve seen many approach a new momma and ask if they could hold the little one, just for a few moments. In fact, some will even ask if they can cuddle the little one even through an entire church service! These little ones just have a way of endearing themselves just because they are small, radiate tenderness and are willing to cuddle; something most all people appreciate!
There was one such little one in our church congregations years ago, but she was extra special. She was a Down Syndrome baby. As she grew into her childhood, people continued to adore her. She was quick to hug and smile, and it seemed she always found something nice to say to whomever stopped to chat.
As the grew into a young woman, her character never changed. She radiated warmth, enjoyed life, was loving and filled with joy, but realized she did not need to be the center of attention. She remembered to ask how you were and about your week. She was a happy child who loved people.
She is not unique to the Down Syndrome world. Ask most any parent with a Down Syndrome baby and they will tell you the same thing. My little friend from church’s momma used to always say, “She has taught me so much.”
It is Down Syndrome awareness month and I wonder how much those of us who do not have such a special child really know about their world. The genetic condition is often, but not always, accompanied with heart issues, sometimes requiring surgery, as well as, other medical problems. It affects both physical and mental growth, and it’s usually easy to identify their disability by the differences in facial structure. Additionally, the degree of disability does affect their level of cognitive and functioning abilities.
But this is not what Down Syndrome children want you to know and understand. More importantly than their differences, is their desire to be treated like every other child on the planet who has dreams, ideas and the ability to carry them out.
There are success stories! One young girl started her own business selling dog treats based on her love of animals. Another was invited to a New York City art exhibition featuring her paintings! Still another was on her way to college to become a dance teacher, and another had her sights set on the Miss America pageant after winning at the county and state level pageants, and there are many, many more who have started their own business or succeeded in other ways.
These are children who deserve the chance to try! Their drive isn’t just for personal accomplishment, but to show the world they are worthy of the calling and innate gifting, God enabled them to deliver. We, as their peers should cheer them on and join them as the celebrate each step up the victory ladder!
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