Tuesday, March 20, 2012

World Down Syndrome Day

Today is World Down Syndrome Day.  We have been working on this little labour of love to celebrate having Jack in our lives.  In all honesty, when Jack was born with the diagnosis of Down Syndrome, I thought my happiness had come to an end.  I was so afraid. But what I now realize and hope to share with others is how our joy has multiplied with each one of our children.  What a blessing it is to be a parent.  Each child has needs and their own unique challenges.  We are privileged to be charged with caring for and loving three remarkable children.  Today, we celebrate Jack and the unique gifts he brings to our family.  He has enriched our lives and knowing what we know now about Down Syndrome, we would choose to walk the same road again and again.  We invite you to celebrate with us by watching the video.  If you know someone who has Down Syndrome, please share how they have enriched your life or what you love about them by posting a comment.  Be brave, we would love to hear your stories!

11 comments:

Dennis and Valerie said...

Hey Jenn,
It is a good thing this little slideshow was about Jack and he was the star because I actually couldn't take my eyes off him. It has been a long time since we've seen you guys! He is so beautiful. :) Loved the music you put with it and how the words and pictures went together ("upside-down" and "spinning"). :)

There is a very special little girl in our lives who has Down Syndrome and we love her very much. xoxoxo- Janelle!

Love, Valerie

Wendy said...

Excellent video!!
Happy Down Syndrome Day!!
We would be so much less without them!
All my love to Jack and my sister Amy!

Anonymous said...

Jen this is a great video!
Thanks so much for sharing your journey! He has grown a lot since I last saw him and I thinks his brother and sister have too!

Our little one will turn 9 next month. She is such a blessing to all who know her. Everyone is her friend!( Of course she is not perfect as she has too much of us in her:)
There has been so much help for her too and we see such progress and development. I marveled at her listing off the differences between urban and rural communities as she studied for her Social Studies test last week! She can navigate her computer as well as I can!!
The extra time it takes to be patient is well worth it to have such a happy and well adjusted child! God bless all the loving and caring parents of children with Down Syndrome!
Marg E.

Anonymous said...

HI Jenn, Happy World Down Syndrome Day! :)
This morning Jam made a presentation for DS Day. Her teacher let me come in to support her. It was such fun to see her in action. She didn't need my support. As soon as she stood in front of her classmates she squared up her shoulders and started in with a pride and enthusiasm I've never really seen before. So exciting. If he is able, Ron is going to post her presentation on his blog. I'll at the least post a picture on FB of all of us in our DS Day t-shirts :)
Have a great day!
Patti

Jenn said...

That is wonderful. So proud of her! Can't wait to see her presentation. Thanks for sharing.

JC said...

I loved this video...I loved how it just showed a little boy living life, just like every other little boy...This video shows More Alike than Different in the best way possible. Happy World Down syndrome day :)

Ron Easton for Dads UnLimited said...

I finally got it posted... sorry it took so long. Dial-up and an older version of power point were a bit of an issue...but its done now!

ParkerMama said...

Happy (belated) WDSD back to you! Parker has been such a blessing in our lives. I image it is the same for you.

Tammy and Parker
www.prayingforparker.com
@ParkerMama on Twitter
http://www.facebook.com/prayingforparker

Jenn said...

Thank you for your post, Jenny. You have articulated a key motivation of mine for putting this video together. Jack is just like every child. He lives life just like many other children and is not defined by Down Syndrome. There are so many other good and wonderful things that define him and our family, which hopefully were captured in the video.

Jenn said...

Thanks for responding, Tammy. I have enjoyed connecting to your blog as well. Parker seems like an amazing little guy and you an extra ordinary family! Jack has also had 8 surgeries for eye pressures due to Glaucoma. The Down Syndrome has truly been the least of our worries. But I also want to hear my son speak and have thought about homeschooling, so we should definately talk more!

Jenn said...

Thanks Wendy. You have been a true encouragement to us since Jack was born.

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