October, 2013 Down Syndrome Awareness... Day 27

Meet Ciarra.

She is 15, a freshman at Brewer High School and a cheerleader.   

To say she loves cheering is probably an understatement.  

 I’m pretty sure it’s who she is.   

It’s what she does.  

She also has Down Syndrome.

I have known Ciarra and her mother Michelle since Josh was born.  I have never met them in real life, but they were among the first people I found online when I did my google search for families to connect with, to learn from and be inspired by.  

Inspired am I…

When I asked Michelle what she wanted you to know about this story… what she would tell others… she simply responded that she would tell others to have faith, and never be afraid to let your kids try things (like cheering).  

If I know Michelle, I think she knew Ciarra would be fabulous with pom poms… 

I think what has both surprised her and humbled her tho is just how 

fabulous everyone ELSE has been.  

This story is inclusion at its finest.   

But, I think what touched me the most is that it’s also completely UNstaged.  

 It’s not inclusion because they have to or because someone told them to.

It’s not uncomfortable or difficult or fake. 

 It’s just friends. 

The cheering squad at Brewer High School get it.   

And it’s a wonderful thing.

October, 2013 Down Syndrome Awareness... Day 26

Today's post was borrowed from an 8th grader's facebook page (I did get permission). Someone who gets it. And stands up even when she's the only one standing.

Thank you, Maggie... from me and all the other families that you impact with your brave heart.

I wish I was more like you. I hope to be... someday.

(And Steph, I think it's safe to say that you have done well. You have taught her empathy and courage. ♥).

 

Can I just say, I am beyond sick of people saying, "retard" "retarded" "gay". I'm constantly hearing, "that's gay." "that's retarded". People will say that about a comment someone makes.

"No you can't go to the bathroom." "That's gay." So that statement likes the same sex? That doesn't make ANY sense, and doesn't make you sound very smart.

I think it's awful when people say things about people who may not be the same, who may struggle with learning, or anything, in any way.

Who cares. If they're happy, let them be. If they're not happy, try to make them happy. Do something nice for them. It'll make their day.

This week I have heard multiple remarks about someone making a face, then someone saying they look like the have downs. I've heard a few others. I take offense to that.

My cousin Taylor has Down Syndrome. I'm down with people saying stuff about that , because I think about her. She is a happy, funny, sweet 13 almost 14 year old girl with Down Syndrome.

She's HAPPY. And she deserves to be. So does everyone else with Down Syndrome. If they heard the things that I hear. Think of how upset they would be.

NOBODY deserves to feel that way. No matter who they are, or what they do. ~ Maggie M

 

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