Hello!
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I wanted to bring back the blog that I had made for my brother, Michael. I originally created the blog last year to increase awareness around the Special Needs community, and to eliminate any negative connotation surrounding it. I still get questions from my peers in college asking what Down Syndrome is, which also inspired me to create this blog.
Nowadays, up to 90% of pregnant mothers who are expecting a baby with Down Syndrome decide to terminate their pregnancy, due to a lack of understanding of what Down Syndrome actually consists of. To some, Down Syndrome can quickly be associated as an unfortunate condition full of health problems, lack of friendships, extra caregiving, and a very dim future.
However, growing up with Michael has given me a completely different perspective. Yes, Michael's cognitive abilities are severely impaired and he cannot speak, but that doesn't mean he can't communicate his feelings or emotions like anyone else. He feels the same emotional spectrum that everyone else does, but his friendliness and kindness towards others is remarkable. Michael has also had issues with his digestion and heart, which were resolved through heart surgery and an improved diet.
Michael has taught me patience, gratitude, and compassion towards others, and I'm always overwhelmed by how blessed my family's been by his presence in our lives. Feel free to comment or submit a contact form if you've got any questions, or would like to have a post for a loved one in a separate portion of my blog :) Don't forget to like this page on Facebook at Beyond the Waves!
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I wanted to bring back the blog that I had made for my brother, Michael. I originally created the blog last year to increase awareness around the Special Needs community, and to eliminate any negative connotation surrounding it. I still get questions from my peers in college asking what Down Syndrome is, which also inspired me to create this blog.
Nowadays, up to 90% of pregnant mothers who are expecting a baby with Down Syndrome decide to terminate their pregnancy, due to a lack of understanding of what Down Syndrome actually consists of. To some, Down Syndrome can quickly be associated as an unfortunate condition full of health problems, lack of friendships, extra caregiving, and a very dim future.
However, growing up with Michael has given me a completely different perspective. Yes, Michael's cognitive abilities are severely impaired and he cannot speak, but that doesn't mean he can't communicate his feelings or emotions like anyone else. He feels the same emotional spectrum that everyone else does, but his friendliness and kindness towards others is remarkable. Michael has also had issues with his digestion and heart, which were resolved through heart surgery and an improved diet.
Michael has taught me patience, gratitude, and compassion towards others, and I'm always overwhelmed by how blessed my family's been by his presence in our lives. Feel free to comment or submit a contact form if you've got any questions, or would like to have a post for a loved one in a separate portion of my blog :) Don't forget to like this page on Facebook at Beyond the Waves!