“To anyone who will listen,
Down Syndrome is not ‘I’m sorry.’
It’s not ‘poor thing.’
It’s not something to avoid or pull your children away from at the playground.
It’s not scary or weird.
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Down Syndrome is JOY.
It’s pure, unfiltered, throw your head back and laugh happiness.
It’s giving zero F–KS, wearing what makes you happy, and being proud of how you look.
It’s saying hi to literally everyone you walk by with the biggest smile on your face.
It’s loving people for exactly who they are and showing everyone kindness without expecting anything in return.
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Down Syndrome is hard work.
It’s tears and anger and frustration.
It’s a lot of practice and effort for so many things that most people probably take for granted.
But it’s also tenacity, and determination, and perseverance.
And it’s immense pride and joy and a whole lotta celebration at each milestone.
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Down Syndrome is also community.
It’s friends you meet for the first time and feel an instant closeness to.
It’s friendships that turn into something more, that you want to hold onto for a lifetime.
It’s a group of people who understand and accept you with little words.
THAT’S DOWN SYNDROME.
I might be ‘slightly’ biased, but it sounds pretty awesome, ya?”
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This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Nao Hatamochi of Toronto, Canada. You can follow their journey on Instagram. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.
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