Today is World Down Syndrome Day. It is a day to celebrate all the beautiful individuals with Down syndrome. Fourteen years ago, I didn’t know why such a day would exist. I could not see what there was to celebrate about Down syndrome. I had no idea the positive impact this day would have on my life, my family’s life and everyone that would come in contact with Emily. All I saw Down syndrome as was scary, hard and something I didn’t want. But as the years went on, I slowly saw that there is so much to celebrate about Down syndrome than I originally thought.

I am not saying our life is easy because it is not. However our life is better because of Emily. She has taught us what is most important in life. She has taught us what pure joy looks like and feels like. She has taught us patience and perseverance. She has taught us laughter and love. She has taught us to slow down. She has taught us compassion and empathy. And most of all she makes you feel loved. There is just something really special about those gorgeous blue eyes, that big smile and that hug. She loves you without judgement or expectations. She loves you exactly the way you are.

And today we celebrated her at her old elementary school. We started a Rock Your Socks tradition there when Emily was in 4th grade. Covid has made it look different the past few years but this year it was back to the way it was. She was even invited back to help celebrate the day and collect the donations for the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh. It was such a great day. She helped with the morning announcements along with JD, her friend Mia and Mia’s sisters. We then walked around to the classrooms and the kids proudly showed off their socks and donated to DSAP. She felt special. She was treated like royalty (which is why she decided to wear a crown). It was heartwarming to see the kids celebrating her and others like her. This is how we will end up with a kinder and better future. Kids learning to accept, celebrate and include individuals with disabilities. They will see that they are more like them than different. They will value them and what they bring to our world.

Today was a good day! Thank you to everyone that helped us celebrate. Thank you for wearing your fun socks. Thank you for all the love and support. We appreciate it so much!

And most of all, to any new parents out there that received a Down syndrome diagnosis, please know that it is ok to be scared and angry. But also know that you have been given such a gift. One that will make your life better than you ever imagined. One that will make you a better person. One that will fill your heart with so much love, joy and pride. We are the lucky few and you will find out why. Congrats!