Jacob was born two years ago. Yesterday was his birthday, which makes a great start for our contribution to Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Why have a month to raise awareness? Well, because there is so much fear related to this condition. And so many misconceptions. And so much joy. And so many reasons to be thankful.
When a parent receives the diagnosis of Down syndrome, they have many emotions and many fears. What will happen to my child? Will my child be able to do the things that "normal" children do? Will my child ever live a full, independent life?
If the diagnosis happens prenatally, they even have to make a decision about their child's very life. Sadly the abortion rate for children diagnosed with Down syndrome is quite high.
Many people think people with Down syndrome "suffer" from this condition. On the contrary, these kids are happy! Jacob is such a happy little man! (Most of the time....just like all children, he has his share of grumpy days, toddler tantrums, and outright rebellion against his parents.) But his extra chromosome does not make him "suffer". It is just there making him who he is. Without that extra 21st chromosome, my little man would not be the Jacob we know and love. Some parents are asked if they would remove that extra chromosome if medical advancements ever make that possible. I say "no". I love Jacob just the way God made him. :)
So Happy October 1st! Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! I will be sharing lots of stuff about Down syndrome this month. You can follow along on Jacob's Facebook page.
