Happy 3-21!
What? You didn’t know today is a holiday? Well, it is!! Today is World Down Syndrome Day!
Around the world today, individuals with Down syndrome are being celebrated! Taken from the World Down Syndrome Day website, “World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.”
Why is March 21st the global awareness day?
Down syndrome is attributed to a partial or full extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Individuals with Down syndrome typically have three chromosomes present on the 21st chromosome. Down syndrome is often referred to as Trisomy 21. Hence, 3-21 (March 21st)!
Let’s Celebrate!
So, in honor of this wonderful day of celebration, I’d like to honor my daughter! She has been a beacon of light in our lives for almost twelve years. Every day, she teaches me something new. My daughter is the hardest worker and she never gives up! Last year, she joined the Special Olympics Gymnastic Team. For six months, she practiced her floor, vault, beam, and bar routines. Come spring, she was ready for the regional competition, where she earned a gold on the uneven bars and a gold all-around medal, silver medals on beam and vault, and a bronze on floor, thus qualifying her for the state games! A couple of months later, she performed just as well at state, bringing home a lot of hardware!
My Darling’s accomplishments aren’t limited to the gym. She excels at school, she’s a master of technology (she can operate an iPad like nobody’s business), she’s got dance moves, and a razor sharp wit! In one word, she’s AWESOME!
So, Happy World Down Syndrome Day!! If you know someone with DS, give them a high five today!
Let’s celebrate everyone’s uniqueness!!!
If you would like more information about Down syndrome or the Special Olympics, here are some helpful links:
National Down Syndrome Society: http://www.ndss.org/
World Down Syndrome Day: http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/
Special Olympics: http://www.specialolympics.org/
Psalm 139:13-14
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Marie Meyer 