Today is National Down Syndrome Day on March 21st…  In recognition of the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.  March 21st aka 3/21)  Although Down syndrome has been around as long as humankind, it was 50 years ago when the cause of Down syndrome was identified.  we have come a LONG way in 50 years!  Thanks be to God for this!  Please take a moment to be thankful for the blessing that have come with this extra chromosome!  My life has changed forever because of my Sydney, and I am so blessed!  If you can, hug on the person in your life with Down syndrome.  If you can’t hug them, send a prayer for them.  This is my prayer: 

Today I say a prayer for the world that I live in.  I pray that my daughter grows up surrounded by love.  That the world grows more accepting and tolerant.  That people see her for the wonderful girl that she is.  I pray that people see a beautiful little girl with brilliant sparkling blue eyes that are the color of the deep ocean.  I pray that people see a smile that lights up a room.  I pray that that every one of her milestones and are celebrated and that others have patience with her delays.  I pray that people see a little girl, then a teenager, then an adult, NOT a diagnosis.  That she will not be sold short before given a chance.  That she will be will share the gifts that God gave her and will be able to serve others and not just be served.  I pray that she grows up to know that God loves her and HE created just as she is, and she is a work of divine art.  I pray that when she acts up that people around her see a child acting like a two year old, or a three year old, etc. and not attribute everything negative to Down syndrome, it’s insulting.  I pray that I am a good parent and give her what she needs; LOVE, Peace, joy, education, friendships, therapies, patience, as well as discipline and fairness.  I pray that I listen to what God tells me, and I that do right by her.  I pray that this world pauses to learn from all individuals, especially those that are different in any way.  Lord watch over us all, keep our hearts open and kind, and keep our eyes on you!