October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  Over the past ten years, John William has continually amazed us with his zest for life and has shown us that life is meant to be a celebration!

He has a heart that is pure.  He sees the world from a different perspective, a perspective of simplicity.  His love comes from a place that knows no social boundaries, no class hierarchy, no differences among races.  Unpretentious, unbiased goodness.  Free from fear, anger, greed or grudges.  He sees the best in everyone, giving his love freely to all around him.  He is innately aware of others’ feelings and emotions.  He is immensely compassionate and can readily sense when someone needs a hug.

He is the best kind of friend.  Loyal, kind, forgiving, accepting and so much fun!  His smile is infectious.  His laugh, contagious.  He loves to joke and has a quick-witted sense of humor.  He is strong-willed and knows exactly what he wants.  He works hard to achieve his goals.  Most of the time, surpassing them, but sometimes not.  Sometimes, we take three steps back.  So we regroup and try again.  With that comes the realization that our journey is not a race.  He is on his own timeline, not to be compared to anyone else.  And that is perfectly acceptable!  All we ever want is for John William to be the very best that he can be, whatever that may be!

He loves to play baseball.  He is a whiz at any and all types of games and is fiercely competitive.  Get ready to play over and over again until he wins!  He is obsessed with Disney movies and knows all of their soundtracks by heart.  He loves all songs by Florida Georgia Line and sings along loudly to the radio.  He loves to travel, especially to the beach.  He can swim like a fish.  He rides the scariest of rides with absolutely no fear!  He loves, and I mean LOVES, spaghetti and meatballs from our neighborhood restaurant, Center Court, where they treat him like a celebrity.  He is a vibrant member of our St. Laurence Parish Community.  He is reverent at mass and participates in the prayers and hymns.  He is filled with the Holy Spirit and it radiates around him.

He is a beautiful combination of myself, my husband and his two older sisters.  Completing our family.  Making us strive to be the best versions of ourselves, every. single. day.  He is a calming force in stressful times.  He is our Prince of Peace.

I believe, with my whole heart, that John William was a gift from God.  We were CHOSEN.  And we are the lucky ones.  He has brought us endless joy, taught us immeasurable life lessons and made us see life in a way that can only be seen through a disciple’s eyes.  He has changed us…for the better.

So you see, Down Syndrome Awareness goes way beyond the crazy sock day.  It is a DAILY AWARENESS that he is capable!  He will be successful!  He is worthy!  He has value!

There is not one single thing I would change about John William, except the way the world views him.

Take the time to get to know him.  You’ll be glad you did.