Happy Down Syndrome Day!!

 Today (3-21) is National Down Syndrome day where we celebrate all our friends that rock that little extra chromosome that they were blessed with.  This is a picture of Kyle and Caroline from kindergarten-aren't they precious?! 

 Raising a child with Down Syndrome is not something any parent would ever ask for; however, I bet if you offered a family that already has a child with DS an opportunity to adopt another child with Down Syndrome they would jump at the chance. 

 Having David in our family has blessed us all tremendously.  He has taught us so much about life and love and we are forever different people because of him.  I will admit to shedding many a tear over David when the reality of his academic ability shows up. 

 But the joys of raising a child with DS far outweigh the moments where your heart hurts.  David makes us belly laugh everyday.  He has also made me re- evaluate how I vote in political elections, brought me closer to our Jesus, and made me slower to judge others.  He pushes me to see the world the way he does-one without prejudice, malice, or judgment. 

 His face and his smile would melt the hardest of hearts. 

 The milestones are huge victories because the work to attain them came with lots of sweat and tears.  David has far exceeded our expectations and I cannot wait to see where the future takes this amazing little guy. 

 Because of Down Syndrome and his post-chemo limitations,  David will never be able to have all the opportunities his brother and sister will have.  As his parents we are okay with this because Jeremiah 29:11 helps us to see clearly that God has a plan for each and everyone of us.

For I know that plans I have for you..They are plans for good to give you a hope and a future.

Despite David's limited intellectual ability  he may never be the valedictorian, but he may be one of the wisest, honest, and kindest kids. 

Despite the late effects from all the chemo and radiation that David has received God can still use him for His glory.  You do not need both kidneys to teach people how much God loves them.

When you love and trust Jesus you can rest in the knowledge that He created us all for His glory-even those that rock that extra little chromosome.  Today we celebrate the little blessings in our life that have that little extra chromosome so I believe, we can all see more of Jesus here on this Earth.