We all want to be loved as we are

In honour of World Down Syndrome Day (today!), the people at L'Arche International have put out another beautiful video in the #AsIAm series. I think this one is my favourite yet. Raphaella's love for her dad and his love for her is a gorgeous thing to witness.

My friends and relatives who possess 3 copies of the 21st chromosome are some of my favourite people. They have a knack for making my day -- Sarah, who calls me her favourite oldest cousin in Edmonton, Bethany, who loves to dance, Miranda, who loves to sing, John, who gives more high fives than anyone I know, and Tim, whose quiet sense of humour and desire to give people a sung blessing at the drop of a hat -- all of them and many others like them make me smile regularly.

Our world would be a sadder place without these beautiful individuals, don't you think?

Happy World Down Syndrome Day to all my special friends...

Simple Suggestion #199... Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

The twenty-first day of the third month has been designated as World Down Syndrome Day by the UN, the date being a nod to the fact that people with Down Syndrome have a third copy of chromosome 21. I'm so glad that my family members and friends have a special day for being celebrated, because, as anyone who knows them will agree, their disabilities seem to give them a simple understanding of the value of relationship that the rest of the human race forgets or misses in our hurry to grow up.

So on Friday, World Down Syndrome Day, I plan to "Rock my Socks" -- that is, I'm going to wear my most colourful socks in honour of my cousins S., C., and O., and my friends T., B., J., and K. And if anyone asks me why I'm wearing my bright socks, I'll tell them about S., who calls me her favourite oldest cousin in Edmonton, or T., who loves to make videos and once managed to get a dishwasher donated to his L'Arche home, or K., who loves to wear his cowboy hat and play guitar. I might even direct the folks who ask about my socks to the World Down Syndrome Day website to learn more about the beauty of some of our brothers and sisters with disabilities.

And I will definitely share this video, which brings tears to my eyes because of all the beautiful people I know. Enjoy, and share sock day with your friends!

Looking for more Simple Suggestions? Click here.

Celebrating our brothers and sisters with Down Syndrome

 Did you know that March 21st has been designated by the United Nations as a day to honour our brothers and sisters all over the world who have an extra chromosome? That means that today is World Down Syndrome Day.

I'm blessed to have several friends and two relatives with Down Syndrome, and I have to say that my life would not be as rich without them. They are true gifts in that their friendships are honest and real, their love of life is contagious, and their personalities light up any room in which I've ever joined them. If you know someone with Down Syndrome, you'll know exactly what I mean. The traditional first day of Spring is a perfect day to celebrate them, don't you think?

Nathan Ball, L'Arche Canada's Executive Director, brought World Down Syndrome Day to my attention through his blog, which you can read here. And he's absolutely right -- all my Down Syndrome friends are great dancers!

Today I'm thinking mostly of my cousin Sarah, whom I've known for all of her 30 years. A natural extrovert, she has the greatest sense of humour, and loves to pull peoples' legs. Everyone is her "favourite." For example, I'm her favourite oldest cousin in Edmonton, a title that can only belong to me. From the time she was small, she was everyone's favourite herself, and now that she's lost her eyesight, personal encounters have become more personal as she likes to hold hands and know people by touch. I don't know how else to describe her except sweet beyond measure. So today I'm sending fond thoughts to you, Sarah, and to my cousin's son, Christopher, and to John, Tim, Patsy, Bethany and Kent, and all your family and friends.

For more information on World Down Syndrome Day, check out http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/, and have a good one!