Celebrate The Differences

Today is World Down Syndrome Day.

March 21st (3/21) was chosen because my Lily Bean (and all other individuals with Down syndrome) have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.

It is one chromosome.  One tiny chromosome.  It is a teeny tiny piece of who she is, and if that is all you see, then you miss everything.

Like how if you don't let her kiss you

she will push you down and pull your hair (while your Mothers laugh and take pictures)

And how she refuses to drink from a straw

unless it is a strawberry milkshake.  (which makes no sense at all because she hates every other thing that is strawberry flavored)

And how she loves her siblings so much

She will happily sit in their laundry basket if it means she gets to be near them.

And how she dances to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.  And how she sings to "Come and get your love." And how she loves bright pink.  And how she only eats Cocoa Puffs.  And how her smile makes everything better.  She makes every day a little brighter and a little more joyful.  I am so proud to be her Mom and I am so proud to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day in her honor.

You can play too.

You can wear blue and yellow today, the official colors of the University of Michigan, my sorority, and Down Syndrome.

You can wear brightly colored mismatched socks

to celebrate the beauty of difference.

You can perform random acts of kindness today in the name of Queen Bean.

You can donate $21 to Ruby's Rainbow, an organization that provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome so they can go to college.

You can volunteer at your local Down syndrome society.

There are lots of ways to play.

So come celebrate with us.