Acknowledging the Present with Hope for the Future at the NDSC Convention

Acknowledging the Present with Hope for the Future at the NDSC Convention

This weekend proved to me how right we are together. I was proud to be a family at the NDSC convention in Sacramento. The weekend offered confirmation that we respect and value the “More Alike Than Different” message of the National Down Syndrome Congress as a way of looking at life for our child with Down syndrome, as part of our family, and as part of a greater community.

The time we spent attending conference sessions, walking around town, going out to dinner, and relaxing in the lobby/bar with other couples and families was a reaffirmation of the best parts of lives. We are a unit, working hard to be a loving family first, but connecting with others to help make a difference in their lives as well. We all have something to offer: to brand-new parents, to physicians we meet with our children, to genetic counselors we speak to about our children, and to communities we live in.

I had no preconceived notions about the effects this convention might have on my relationship with my husband. I just asked him to be a part of the weekend, without a lot of pressure, just saying, “This is all I wanted for my approaching birthday.”

I attended the Friday session as an Affiliate leader in our area, and my family followed arriving later that afternoon. What I realized throughout the weekend was the fact I couldn’t ask for a better man in my life. I couldn’t ask for a better father for our three children. I saw a unified vision of acceptance and honoring individuals for their unique abilities, hopes, and dreams.

I watched my husband interact with children, teens, and forty-year-olds with Down syndrome in such an honest and loving way. He joked, he listened, he gave knuckle punches and high-fives to guys who looked like they played professional football, and he gave just as many hugs to as many that came over to speak to us.

We had arrived at the place we were to be. I couldn’t ask for a better scene for this time in our lives as a family, and as individuals. We all felt great pride in our accomplishments thus far and incredible hope for the future.

Our daughter, Hannah, remarked by saying, “The kids are so proud of me. The adults are so happy, and the babies are so happy to see me!”

I know we will start planning for college ahead for our daughter with Down syndrome. We will dispel our old beliefs that Hannah will live with us forever. The young Self-Advocates we heard speaking at the podium to thousands gathered wanted no part of living underneath the roofs or rules of their parents. We are already getting a taste of that on a daily basis from our seven-year-old daughter!

The advocates spoke about their personal choices, their friends, and their freedom to work one, two, or three jobs, while always keeping their civil rights at the forefront. They spoke about making their own dinners, enjoying hobbies, practicing their faith, and enjoying cups of coffee on their own couches. These are not simple people performing simple tasks. These are complex people with everyday hopes and dreams.

We all have the present to whirl around in throughout our busy lives, but the future doesn’t seem so far away, and I might add, it looks pretty darn hopeful!
Thank you for an awesome weekend NDSC- staff, Board of Directors, Self-Advocates, families, and volunteers. The weekend was a huge success!