October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Happy October 1st! 

I have always LOVED the Fall, and October is the beginning of the holiday season (aka the BEST time of the year!), but October now has extra special meaning to me (us) because I get to celebrate the GIFT of Down Syndrome in our life! I'm hoping to try to get up a post a day discussing something related to Down Syndrome: struggles, blessings, myths, truths, hopes for the future, anecdotes, and of course... lots of cute pictures!

It would be remiss of me to forget about wishing you a blessed feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, also know as St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Theresa the Little Flower! If you don't know her yet, here's a brief bio:

"Therese Martin was the last of nine children born to Louis and Zelie Martin on January 2, 1873, in Alencon, France. However, only five of these children lived to reach adulthood. Precocious and sensitive, Therese needed much attention. Her mother died when she was 4 years old. As a result, her father and sisters babied young Therese. She had a spirit that wanted everything."  (You can read more about her here if you're interested.) 

Precocious. Sensitive. Had a spirit that wanted everything.

This brief description makes me smile because it could be about Mildred! 

St. Therese focused on the Little Way - using every day simple acts of love and sacrifice and offering it for love of God and sanctification of herself and the world. She wanted to bring love to everyone she met, and committed to spend her time in Heaven doing good (spreading love) on earth. 
I have to believe that St. Therese, in her simple profundity, passion, and love for the Lord and those around her, is pleased to share her feast day with the launching of Down Syndrome awareness month. I see the beauty of St. Therese in the simple profundity, passion, courage, and love that is so innate in people with Down Syndrome. A purity of heart that is so specific, and beautiful, a heart knit together with purpose.



St. Therese, pray for us! Help us to love more like you do, and help us to have the loving heart, and joyful spirit of our loved ones with Down Syndrome.