October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

From Facebook:

Oct. 1:

In honor of October "National Down Syndrome Month" Here is our daughter over 19 years ago! This picture was taken a few days after her adoption was finalized and on the day she was sealed to our family forever in the Dallas LDS Temple. One of the great blessings of my life is to know her, to be her mom, and watch her influence in the world. #nothingdownaboutit #udsfGrateful for our other four kids who have been her cheer squad, her protectors, and her "ordinary" siblings who pushed her to do things herself.

And when I went to grab these pictures from Facebook, Facebook showed a memory from last year of Jena with her mission call, so I added the next post:

Oct. 2: One year ago today, Jena opened her mission call. Seems like an appropriate topic for National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Jena had a great desire to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It took some time to get used to the fact that she had to stay at home and serve from here but she adjusted and was excited to serve when she turned 19. She has been a great example of hard work, peace and joy where she serves and we know that she has touched people because we have gotten reports now and then from parents. Jena is a missionary for the LDS Church and she has Down syndrome. #morelikethandifferent #udsf#nothingdownaboutit (don't worry, I don't plan to write something everyday about Down syndrome or Jena--I am not that together!)

I am not one that tries to glamorous Down syndrome and I try very hard to stay away from the stereotypes which people often say about how loving and fun they are.  I know that life can be very hard for many families with children with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome can be very different from each other and they have to deal with challenges which few of us can totally understand. But at the risk of being mushy, there is something unique and uplifting about being in a room with babies with DS or dancing in a park with teens and adults with DS. In general there is a light and a joy which will leave a mark on your heart in a very special way.  And I know that Jena like all of us is experiencing the life journey which her Heavenly Father planned for her...and she is rocking that extra chromosome to the moon and beyond!  Happy Down Syndrome Month, America!