Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2016

Felix and I with our odd socks

Today is March 21....you know what that means? It's World Down Syndrome Day! Why March 21?

The date represents the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome present in all people who have Down syndrome....the 21st day of the 3rd month. Pretty cool hey?

We love celebrating WDSD. It's a day to reflect on the positive ways Felix, and his friends, have impacted our lives and the lives of those around us. It's a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion, and how wonderful it is to have so many different people in our lives. It's a day to remember that, despite our race, ability, sexuality or religion, we are all people with so much to offer the world and each other.

We had a fairly low key WDSD today because Felix had school. We made sure we were wearing our odd socks to show that people with Down syndrome are more alike than they are different. I painted my nails yellow and blue for Down syndrome awareness, and Felix gave his teachers and support workers gifts of odd socks and a little note about World Down Syndrome Day.

Two of Felix's friends showing their support today

A couple of Felix's support workers opened their gift and put on their odd socks, even though they were wearing shoes that looked a bit strange with socks. They looked hilarious but it made it even more special that they were happy to stand out and celebrate the day with Felix. When Felix got to school in the morning, several of the kids came up to him and showed him they were wearing odd socks too. I did get a few tears in my eyes when I saw that other people had remembered. It really means a lot to see others get involved in the fun, and show their support for Felix!

It was a busy day!

Felix finished the day with a Doctor's appointment to organise his next lot of blood tests for tomorrow morning. Even though it's been a fun day, life still goes on and the medical stuff doesn't go away. In saying that, today has reminded me that no matter what highs and lows we go through with Felix, there are so many people who are there, supporting us every step of the way.

Right now, Felix is sitting on the couch. He has one shoe on and one shoe off. He's eating a packet of veggie chips, and playing bowling on the Wii from his seat on the couch. He has a dirty face, and looks like he could fall asleep any second. He looks just like a typical boy who has had a really good day!!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!!