On March 21st, people around the world will honor World Down Syndrome Day. 3/21 was chosen to be World Down Syndrome Day because it represents the three 21st chromosomes that an individual with Down syndrome has, as opposed to the typical two. This day is especially important to me because I have a younger sister who has Down syndrome. On this day, when my thoughts are specially directed at her, let me share with you some of the reasons my sister has made a difference in my life, and the lives of others.
Pure happiness and positivity.
I’ve never met someone as genuinely happy and positive all of the time. My sister, though she faces numerous challenges and setbacks due to her diagnosis, is nothing but cheerful everyday. Of course she has her difficult moments, but she is rarely seen without a big smile on her face. She gets excited to see me every single time I come home from school, texts me “I love you”’s and emojis all day long, is always eager to celebrate any holiday from a birthday to Groundhog Day, and loves to give hugs. Not only does this brighten the day of anyone around her, but it also reminds me especially to try and maintain a sunny disposition as much as I can.
Always down for dance parties and selfies.
Enough said.
Caring deeply for others.
There are very few people who care so deeply about others than my sister. She will wake you up at 6am on your birthday so she can present you with a thousand cards and presents, and the whole day she will smile at you and refer to you as the “birthday girl” because she wants you to have an amazing day. She will come over and give you a huge hug when you are upset and tell you it will be okay, even if she has no idea of the situation. My sister shows everyone such unconditional love that it is hard to replicate, but amazing to experience.
Doing what makes you happy.
This may sound silly, but one of the things I both admire and find embarrassing in sometimes equal measures is my sister’s lack of self-consciousness. She is the girl who will begin to loudly sing along with the song playing in a crowded public space, or dance all by herself in front of the DJ booth before the party even gets started. I’ve never seen someone so completely unafraid to do what makes her happy, regardless of what other people may think. This is a quality I try to channel, but nobody does it quite like her.
Drive and determination.
Despite the challenges she faces, there are very few people persistent enough to persevere and achieve like my sister. Academics do not come easily to her, but she continues to make progress. She can ride a horse independently with incredible form. She was able to learn a Torah portion and have her own bat mitzvah, and she stole the show with a personalized video thanking different individuals in her life for their support. No matter how difficult it may seem, if she really wants to achieve a goal, my sister will do whatever it takes.
Those who have met my sister know that these sentiments are true. I’m grateful for World Down Syndrome Day because it gives me an opportunity reflect on the impact my sister has had on my life and lives of others. On 3/21, I encourage you to appreciate the opportunities you are given, stay positive, care for others, seek happiness, work with determination, and have a couple of dance parties.