Feel good

This weekend CC and I had the opportunity to support one of my favorite non-profits, Gigi’s Playhouse.  CC & I ran to support awareness of Down syndrome and all those who have been touched by those with DS.  This is near and dear to my heart because a friend of mine gave birth this winter to a beautiful baby boy with an extra chromosome.   He’s perfect in every way and loved ridiculously by all those who have the pleasure of knowing him.  It breaks my heart that there are people in the world today that are going to treat him differently because he doesn’t look like them.  What I’ll never understand is that we all look different, so why is this such a big deal?  I believe it’s because people are just not educated.  If they were educated on the internal struggles and physical ailments people with Downs have, maybe they would be more sympathetic.  If they understood that they see, feel, and act just like every other person in the world, maybe they’d give them a pat on the back instead of not making eye contact.  The most amazing thing about a person with Downs is their ability to love.  They love unconditionally and those who love them understand love better because of them. 

I know that I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum because I have a soft spot in my heart for people with Downs.  I grew up with my Aunt who had that extra chromosome and she was the most amazing person I’ve ever met.  I spent many years of my life surrounded by people who are different and it has never bothered me because it was all I’d known.  I’m sure at some point my parents had to explain things to me but I’m thankful they did it in a way that helped me embrace the differences instead of be scared of them.  Because after all, doesn’t the hatred and rudeness come from being scared of the unknown.

This event gave us the pleasure of waving, smiling, and saying hi to people with Downs of all ages.  One little girl jogged up to CC during the inspirational walk and wanted to hold hands and walk together, her name was Mia.  Then there was a 7 yr old boy named Henry, who kept running ahead of his family and literally running into me but we laughed each time.  I ran the race next to a woman who has 2 yr old twins, a boy and a girl, both with DS.  When we bumped into her husband and kids after the race, CC blew them kisses and the kids gave me a high five.  In our goal of supporting Beckett, we supported all those who are just like us in all the ways that matter. 

This is just the first of many opportunities that I hope will open CC’s eyes and heart to those who are “different,” just as I hope that she treats all people with respect, kindness, and love.  Sunday was just her first lesson…

After the 5k during the walk, CC wanted out of her stroller.  "Mama, I run...I run like you!"  She did good for that mile and I told her I can't wait until we're running races together!