If everyone had a person with Down Syndrome in their life...

• They would understand that we are all more alike than different - two eyes, two ears, a nose, a mouth, a heart, and a brain.
• they would smile more
• they would be forever blessed to know someone that is going against many odds throughout their life. However, the community of  people who Down Syndrome will keep working, preserving, and promoting acceptance of All those who carry an extra chromosome to those who don't.;
• they would know everyone can be as caring, loving, humorous, and sometimes moody. People with Down Syndrome are people...they have feelings, they laugh, sure they cry sometimes BUT they are not happy all the time. When I talk about my beautiful boy, Anthony, with people I meet throughout the day, some will say, "oh, they are always so happy!" -- c'mon people- we all have our days, and Anthony had a huge meltdown when I took him out of a swimming pool yesterday, and has had many other days where he is mad or sad or just plain exhausted - every one and any one can have a bad day.
• they would probably want to know more about what Down Syndrome is, therefore, more of us would be further educated and it is always good to learn more.

Ignorance is NOT bliss!

My son Anthony has Down Syndrome - He is amazing, sweet, cuddly, and he has his moody days. Today he doesn't want to nap and seems to have a tickle in his throat.

After his playgroup at the library today, Valerie, the nana of Ant's friend Nathan, informed me of the ignorant behavior of a mother-yes, another mother. Apparently a few weeks ago, when her son, Rock, went to sit next to Anthony, she said(and outloud supposedly, cuz i amazingly didn't hear this ugly comment) outloud how Anthony had Down Syndrome and she didn't want Rock to sit next to him. --It's so sad that people actually think this way. It's probably a good thing I did miss her say it. Between the MDSC(Mass. DS Congress) and the national DS e Congress, strides have been made where ALL the individuals who have that extra chromosone will be treated like the rest of us.
More people need to be educated about all special needs. DS is not contagious. The love and goodness of Anthony is contagious as he makes most people we encounter smile and they would all be more than happy to sit next to him and even give him a hug. :)