To start, I have to lay down some ground work for people who may not be familiar with this particular condition.
What is Down syndrome? If you want to keep it simple, it's a genetic condition. A person normally has 46 chromosomes within a cell, 23 inherited from each parent. In a person with Down syndrome, you will see 47 chromosomes.
You might be thinking, so what? What does an extra chromosome even do? Well first, the most visible are the physical characteristics such as flattened facial features. Secondly, challenging behavioral characteristics such as a short attention span. Lastly, cognitive characteristics which include developmental and learning delays. As if that weren't enough, they are also at increased risk for detrimental health risks such as heart defects, Alzheimer's and leukemia.
It's not uncommon for people to be “scared" of people with Down syndrome, or any disability for that matter. The problem is that most simply don't know how to act or don't know what to say. The thing is, you don't need to act any differently and you can talk to them the same way you would anyone else. Yes, anyone else. That means you do not have to use baby talk.
Why am I telling you this? Well, I want to encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and talk to someone with a disability because the outcome can be transformational.
In high school I met two boys who undeniably changed my life in the most positive way I could ever imagine. Their names are Brett and Charlie. To this day, they remain two of the most important and influential people in my life. Here's what they taught me.
1. Never take life too seriously
You hardly ever see Brett or Charlie down and out about something petty. We live in a fast-paced world where it is easy to get caught up in the negatives.There are more important things in life. Shake it off.
2. Never skip out on dessert
Hand Charlie a skyscraper milkshake from Winstead's and he will destroy it with ease. Life is short. Add some whipped cream, maybe even sprinkles and enjoy yourself.
3. Sing your heart out
The countless car rides I have taken with Brett are almost a type of therapy. Turn up the jams and sing off tune. You may get some strange looks but you're having a better day than they are.
4. Dance like no one is watching
I have attended five proms with Brett and Charlie. Once they start dancing, they don't stop. They leave it all on the dance floor, so should you. Just don't forget to hydrate afterward.
5. Be the reason that someone smiles
You know those days that just suck beyond belief? Brett and Charlie were always the first ones to be there putting a smile back on my face. Pay it forward. There is always someone who could use a kind gesture or friendly smile.
6. Always take a silly picture
Every serious picture I have taken with Brett and Charlie has come with three or more silly pictures. Those are the ones that are worth remembering anyways. Strike your best pose and capture the moment.
7. Cheer on your peers
When the game was getting close, I could look to the stands and see Brett and Charlie there cheering me on until their faces were as red as a tomato. That's what friendship is all about. Cheering each other on in whatever endeavor it may be with the utmost enthusiasm.
8. Find joy in the little things
It's not always about the big games and the proms. Sometimes it's just sitting there, enjoying each others company. Charlie is the greatest example of this than any other human being I have ever met.
9. Hugs can cure
Life gets just too hard to handle sometimes and you have to let it out. With tears streaming down, I could always count on a warm hug from Brett. As if it were actual magic, I felt some of that sadness vanish. No words need be spoken, just a hug.
10. Love knows no bounds
The greatest thing about Brett and Charlie is their amazing outlook on life. While people may look at them and think "disabled", they see everyone including themselves as only "able". Simply as people who are worth kindness and love.
I have come to know even more amazing people with disabilities since my time in high school. Spending time with them has given me perspective. In a way it's like my own outlook on life was "disabled". We get caught up in too many petty things. Things we take for granted. Things that those with disabilities may not ever experience. See, and that's just it. That's the beauty in at all. Together we equally enrich each other's lives. That's the kind of relationship we are all looking for, right? The kind that makes you see the world differently.
When I spend time with Brett, Charlie and others, I see the looks that people give them. I don't think they mean to be rude, or maybe they do. Really I just think they are just confused. They don't see the love, compassion, and positivity that they radiate. I hope that someday they will get a chance to. Maybe all they need is to experience someone with an extra chromosome too. I'm sure if they did, it would be one of the most enriching and life-changing experiences they would ever have.
Lead by example. The first step, share this article! Spread the word.
This article is dedicated to the following:
Brett - Fan of all things sports. Deadly skills with a lightsaber. "Yeeah boi".
Charlie - Movie and musical enthusiast. Lover of Winstead's. "The sun will come out tomorrow".
