Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Dear Lydia,

It’s 3/21: WorldDown Syndrome Day. When your mama carried you into my studio almost three years ago now, you taught me the most important lesson: you are more alike me than different.

Our culture wants to tell us that people with 3 copies of the 21st chromosome have less inherent value than those who do not. It’s the same with other genetic disorders, chronic illness, and, dare I say it, race.

The truth is: we are all created in the image of God. There is something of God’s nature that only you can reflect perfectly, sweet Lydia

.

Last week I played with you on a playground. I lost you for a split second after you climbed some steps and before you got to a slide. And when I found you, you were comforting a little boy probably one year your junior who was sitting just out of his mama’s reach likely pitching an “I don’t want to leave fit.” You hugged him tight and kissed his forehead and he visibly softened before you headed down the slide.

And I teared up a bit (I know… rare for me), because you’ve done the same to me. Your life gave mine purpose and hope and encouragement.

Baby girl, I’m so proud to be called your “No mommy”/Aunt.

Keep changing the world.
Love you!
Auntie M

Meet Zac.

This 22 year old young man loves watching typical boy movies such as The Fast and the Furious, Rocky, and The Avengers.  He can play them non stop for long periods of time just enjoying the plot lines.

When he’s not watching his favorite films, Zac is hanging out with his amazing girlfriend Kelly.  They like to go on lunch dates, bowling, and out to play putt-putt.  They also spend lots of time enjoying each other’s company through Facetime.

Zac’s tender and empathetic heart is toldly sold out for Jesus.  He loves being at church and hugging everyone present.  Worship music makes him come alive.  His mama often finds him praying and while she can’t always understand his prayers, she knows that the Lord does.

Zac’s smile and tender heart proves what his mama would most like to tell a mother expecting a child with Down syndrome.

That there will be times when things are hard but that just makes every milestone that much more special. They give so much more than they take.

They give so much more than they take.

Zac, thank you for giving some of your time to let me get to know you.  Your laughter and joy made my cheeks hurt from smiling.

In my two years of work with people in the Down syndrome community, one of the most common refrains that I have heard is:

I wish people would just look at me/my child as a person and not a diagnosis.

Can you imagine being labeled and limited because of an extra chromosome that you had no control over?

I want you to meet Kelly, a young woman I met because of her diagnosis, but who lives a life far beyond her diagnosis.

Kelly is 27 years old.  She is active in a job that she has enjoyed for 10 years as well as the YMCA Recess program. Kelly has a boyfriend named Zac who absolutely adores her. You can see how special their bond is below.

Her mama Peggy adores Kelly and has walked alongside her helping her achieve her dreams.  Their relationship shows just how much a gift Kelly has been to her mama… and how much a gift Peggy is to Kelly.

Kelly also aspires to become a professional photographer.  These images are from two separate sessions in our studio.  Both times I handed over the camera to Kelly.  The first time she took a few snaps of me, but the second time she wowed me by getting these beautiful images of her boyfriend Zac.  The eye contact and the joyous moments she caught… breath taking.

Kelly, I am proud to have met you and can’t wait to continue watching you flourish as you pursue your dreams.