Just a few weeks ago my sister turned 18, and once again I was reminded of what an extraordinary human being she is. If you have a sibling, a child or even a friend with Down Syndrome, then you know how incredibly inspiring this population of people are. My sweet sister has Down syndrome and I am thoroughly convinced that she is a super hero. In fact, I am thoroughly convinced that every person out there with Down syndrome is a super hero.
My sister, on a daily basis, goes out into a world that views her as "retarded" or "disabled" or other nasty and hateful things. She walks out into a world that says she can't. It is a world that says it is some sort of miracle that she is successful at anything, even things as simple as feeding herself. She lives each day in a world that lacks understanding and therefore sees only someone to be feared. She stands in the face of adversity and says I can with a big smile on her face. She has dreams and she works hard to achieve them. Her best friend who also has Down syndrome is just as bold and brave as my sister. I see people with Down Syndrome time and time again shock the world with what they are accomplishing.
Despite the world's view that she can't, my sister daily shows the people around her love, grace and acceptance. She will go to the end of the earth to make each and every person around her feel included, despite how she may have been treated in the past. I firmly believe there is not a more warm and welcoming population of people on this earth. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, there used to be this place called Tim's Place that was owned by a man with Down Syndrome. Everyone that had visited Tim's Place knew they could get a big hug if they needed it. and the warmest of welcomes the moment they stepped into the restaurant.
I firmly believe this loving inviting demeanor my sister and seemingly the rest of the Down Syndrome population holds is the result of this amazing ability to live a content and care free life.
Oh how I envy this.
While I am over here stressing over what to write about, how I am going to make next month's rent and whether or not I am going to pass my classes, my sister is simply enjoying the life she has been given. She embraces life with a deep joy that is found in the day to day things. She never complains and is just simply happy as she lives a life full of laughter, family, food and fun. There is no agenda and no rules in this. Her life philosophy is to embrace everyday with a smile and a joyful heart. If I could be just half as content and joyful maybe all that stress and anxiety would just fall away as though it never existed.
My sister is my hero because she constantly teaches me how to be strong, brave, and joyous. She has taught me that every day is the best day to have a Just Dance party or a karaoke sing off. And most importantly, she has taught me that everyone deserves to be shown love to, no matter who they are or how they have treated you in the past.
If everyone took a moment to look to the Down Syndrome population and adopted their kind and joyous mentality, maybe the world would be just a little better.
