Thursday, March 21, 2013

Friends Don't Count Chromosomes

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. Many people believe that it is us who teaches those who happen to have Downs. Those people are highly mistaken. Today we celebrate Brookelyn and Major. These two have taught us more about life, acceptance, love and laughter than we ever thought possible. For those of you who don't know these kiddos, I'll give you a little run-down on them so you can feel just a small sliver of what we feel on a daily basis.
Major is my cousin's son. He can sing the entire song of "We Will Rock You", among many others. He plays soccer with his brother and sister, and he is as fearless as they come. He, like his mama, knows what he wants and wants it now. He is the best cuddler and has a smile that will light up your world. We don't see him much because he lives so far away, but we love him as we do everyone else in our huge family. He is hilarious and vibrant. The song is true...he absolutely will Rock You...and your socks off!


Brookelyn is 3. She is 3 weeks younger than Mason and absolutely his partner in crime. Whenever they are together, that's just what that means...together. You'll never find one without the other. If one is jumping on the couch, so is the other. If Brookelyn is supposed to be napping, you'll find Mason has snuck out of his own bed to hers and is giving her ALL her toys. They have dance parties together, snacks together and jump on the trampoline together. And yet, we are the lucky ones because at the end of the day, while my child essentially teaches Brookelyn to be ornery, Brookelyn teaches Mason life lessons. These lessons are ones he won't learn from his preschool friends, but he will keep forever. Lessons on acceptance, friendship, helping others, and protecting the ones you love. I've seen it since they were born. Mason doesn't look at Brookelyn any different than he does his other friends, but he loves her just a little more, as we all do because she just adds a little more warmth in your heart, a little more laughter to your day, and more "smushels" around your neck. And as her Aunt Kami, and someone who doesn't get those much from being the mother of a very rough and tumble boy, I appreciate her cuddly nature a little more than most.


We love you Major and Brookelyn! We're so glad to have you both in our lives and love watching you grow!