Down Syndrome Prejudice

People seem to get a little weird when you mention Down syndrome. When my son was born, I was thrilled that he was alive and so grateful he didn't have some of the complications that he could've had. I was happy to have a newborn, with that newborn smell, and loved to snuggle with him. Yet, some thought it was such a bummer to have a child like mine. I had one person express sympathy because I had a child with DS. Others whispered about him as if it was some sort of sin that he'd been born with an extra chromosome. Mostly, people were just relieved that they didn't have to deal with a child with DS.

I'm sure it's because people fear what they do not understand and many times, that fear leads to prejudice. People jump to conclusions and make assumptions that simply are not true. I'm not sure how to dispel those notions. I don't know how to show people that my son is wonderful. He's healthy, he's full of life, and most of all, he's happy. What more could I ask for?

While the world may judge him to have handicaps and disabilities, I can see beyond that. I can see who he is inside, I can see his soul. I only wish I could help others to do the same.