An unexpected revelation on my kid’s extra chromosome.

From the blog Praying for Parker  (go to the link for a beautiful picture of Parker)

“I’ve always known that language shapes perception. That is why I fight so hard against the use of the r-word. But this, this never even made my radar. Maybe it’s because I don’t focus on the Down syndrome as much as I do about the whole keeping a kid alive thing. A quote by Rose Mordi, Nigeria at the UN conference on World Down Syndrome Day: “Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition.” …..naturally occurring. Not an abnormality. Not a disorder. Not ‘What’s wrong with him?” Not a 90% abortion rate.

I have a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition. My life has just as much value as any other, including yours. Can you imagine a doctor walking in and saying, “Your baby has Down syndrome. Don’t worry though. Children have been born with Down syndrome since the beginning of time. Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition. Your child will be blessed to be a member of an amazing population of people that make this world a better place to live in.” Something as simple as the language we use could change the perception of how the world views my child and so many other children. What a wonderful, wonderful world it would be.”