Down Syndrome Creed....Day 6.

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace


I first read this creed/poem when Joey was a teeny tiny newborn and Ds was SO new to my world. I cried many times over the words of the creed because it seemed like the baby/child/teen/adult with Ds "reading" these words was pleading to the world to just accept them as they are and who they are. They are God's PERFECT creation just like anyone else. God makes NO mistakes. I believe "the least of these" were possibly put on this earth to test us so see how accepting we are and if we love conditionally or if we love like God does...UNconditionally. I've only been able to fully experience Ds for a little over 5 years and they have honestly been some of the best years of my life. The creed is SO true. When our typical kids would reach milestones they were so exciting to witness, like the first steps, first words, etc. But when Joey reaches milestones they are some of THE most exciting events in our lives. It is something I don't think you can fully imagine until you are in those shoes and love someone who has a disability. The majority of kids walk by age one but for Ds it can come much later. Joey started around age 2 and Isaiah is 2 1/2 now and is far from walking. I imagine the day Isaiah takes his first steps will be even more exciting than when Joey did. This past summer Joey first learned to jump. He wanted to jump in the WORST way for SO long. He would try and try and try but his little body and weak muscles from low tone would just not allow him to. But the day his little feet lifted off the ground...both at the same time...I think we all had tears in our eyes, including Joey. I don't know who was happier and prouder...him or us. He was SO proud of himself that he jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped from one end of the room to the other. I have a video but I can't get it to upload :(