Down syndrome is indeed a spectrum of special needs; some children & adults with Down syndrome are much more medically, developmentally & emotionally affected than others, but I believe DS has been wrongly labeled a disability. In fact, the more I learn about my son the more I realize that it is I that have the ‘disability’.
Isaac’s ‘genetic aberation’ allows him to see and feel and interact with people in a way that I will never be able to do; I have been crippled by selfishness, pride, ignorance & social morays. If he sees someone who is hurting, he simply hugs them. It doesn’t matter if we are in the middle of Costco, that person needs a hug! And not just any person… THAT person. Sadly, it wouldn’t even cross my mind to minister to a stranger that way, especially while shopping for fifty pounds of hamburger. What crushes my ignorant heart is to see that stranger just melt in the short little arms of my sweet boy. They needed that hug deeply. They were starving for the hands of my Lord to physically touch them and He did… through my child with Down syndrome. Isaac pats them on the back and looks them straight in the eyes as if to say, “it’s going to be alright, you’ll see. Me and Jesus love you!”
It’s true, Jesus does love them and my son just loved on them. Do I love that stranger? I mean, really love them, like I know Jesus does… like I’ve been asked to by my Loving Creator? Like my son in his ‘disability’ seems to do so easily? The truth is no. I’m the one with the disability, and now with fifty pounds of hamburger.
Down syndrome is not a disease. It is not a health hazard. It is not a disability. It is an extra chromosome of love placed PERFECTLY by our Heavenly Father with intention and purpose.
Today is a day the entire world stops to acknowledge that very fact. What could we learn by letting go of our selfish, ignorant, crippled hearts and really loved like our friends with Down syndrome do? Would we love like Jesus? Would we be overwhelmed by the joy of the Lord like my son is? I can guarantee it’ll make your trips to Costco more interesting!
You can see some precious children with Down syndrome who are currently waiting for their forever family here, here and here.
“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples — when they see the love you have for each other.” – John 13:35 MSG
For more information regarding World Down Syndrome Day events in your neighborhood, please visit the World Down Syndrome Day website here.
I have a bio son with DS and every thing you said is so true!!
I love my son so much that I would love to adopt a child with DS. Which is kind of for selfish reasons. What reasons? The love and not hate, the smile and the joyful personality. These traits that Downs have that i believe over ride all the other things. If it were possible to adopt a child with Downs, I would do it in a heart beat!! I would love to talk with anyone that might be interested in adopting a child with Downs. My son is now 20 and can share our story. I can’t imagine my life without him!
Love celebrating World Down Syndrome with you and your sweet Isaac today, Desiree! Welcome to NHBO – we are blessed to have you here!
Yeah!!! Thank you for having us!