On a recent road-trip to central
Nebraska, my son Marcus leaned back and sighed, “This is the good life.” That
particular weekend there was much ado about Nebraska’s slogan: “The Good Life.”
So I smiled in agreement while my mind wandered over the parallel metaphor to
our world.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell
you, it gets old defending the place you call home. Do you get tired of
explaining
what exactly is good about
“the good life” to those who say they could never…? To those who are filled
with ill-conceived notions and stereotypes about our day-to-day? What beauties
there are to see and experience?
Like many kids, I knew I’d leave
Nebraska when I grew up. But the days went by and, though there were other
opportunities along the way, I chose to stay. And sometimes there were
circumstances that chose me instead. Which brings me to the parallel metaphor.
Life with my son, Marcus.
It’s not a new idea, the
metaphor of the physical place we find ourselves and our larger fate. So here
we go…
On March 21st we will
celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
We celebrate because Down syndrome is part
of who Marcus is. Like many families who find themselves in an unexpected place
– it is not about making the best of it; it’s about celebrating the best of it.
What I’d like to share this World
Down Syndrome Day, with those of you who don’t
live in the place we do: It’s not what you think.
