So, life caught up with me – or rather, work did – but I’ll attempt to make a new start here in bloggy land. Because lately something has been on my mind.
Working with people who have special needs has given me a unique opportunity to experience life from a different view. When you meet something that’s different from you, you see it, you notice it, and you act. Some turn away and run, others embrace the different and learn, no matter how scary the different can be. I’d love to say that I do the latter, but truth is, I’ve done both, and I think that’s the case for most of us.
I have met people who are different from me in so many ways. Some physically, some in the way they act, think, talk or believe. I’ve met people who see life in such a different way and who have such different values from me that I sometimes wonder if we live in the same world! And yet, they are just like me. They eat and drink, laugh and cry, and get angry and upset. And just like you and me they love and are loved.
And yet, not everyone are willing to embrace that difference.
Did you know that over 90% of parents chose to abort their unborn child if they discover it will have Down Syndrome?
Logically, I understand that some parents are scared and unsure about what to expect, both for themselves and their baby, but 90% is a lot. That’s nine out of ten. Nine out of ten who decide not to have a child with Down Syndrome because of…what?
– They do not have the money to support a child with medical needs, who might require surgery, medication and therapy?
– They are not capable of caring for a child with Down Syndrome – but would be good parents if the child has no disability?
– They are afraid having a disabled child will take so much of their time, love and care that their other children would suffer?
– They are afraid a child with Down Syndrome will get teased and excluded by other children – more than a child with red hair, freckles, glasses or an awful taste in music would?
– A person with Down Syndrome might not be able to drive a car or get a job?
– A person with Down Syndrome might not be able to become prime minister, a lawyer, doctor or scientist?
Is that what we are afraid of? Is that what those 90% were thinking when they decided not to let their baby with Down Syndrome be born? Are those the things that matters most to us in life – money, education, achievements, … normality?
What about the laughter, the happiness, the eagerness to live and to achieve. What about the extra kisses, the jokes and the tickles at 5am in the morning? What about the desire to love and be loved? And what about the baby, the child, the person behind “Down Syndrome”? Did they not deserve to live and to make their own decision about what matters most in life?
I’m not saying having a child with Down Syndrome is a dance on roses, but…90%! It makes me sad.
Down Syndrome is about happiness and laughter, kindness and friendship, stubbornness and personality. It’s about love and life.
Myra's world 
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