A Little Sunshine for World Down Syndrome Day

Today, 3/21, signifies World Down Syndrome Day. Kind of clever in that it is the 21st day of the 3rd month of the year in honor of 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, which is known as Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. Before Reid was born the celebration of this day never reached my radar, I had no idea this existed. Reid's birth has taught me a lot about a lot of things that never reached my radar before he was born. I like knowing about these things, I like the way his extra chromosome has forever changed me for the better, and I like....no actually love...that this little extra chromosome of Reid's has introduced me to so many beautiful families...all over the world.

Recently I was given a Sunshine Award by a fabulous grandmother in Ireland, Nan P., though she is originally from France, who blogs about her beautiful grandson Cathal who has Down syndrome. I love reading about life from the perspective of a grandmother... and I must say this is one young and hip grandma who recently went and rocked out to a U2 concert!! I love it ;).

I was honored to receive the award from her and thought I would save it to pass on until today, World Down Syndrome Day. I wanted to pass it on to fellow bloggers I love following...who live in a different part of the world than me and that have also been touched by Down syndrome.

So here goes...a little sunshine sent from me across the oceans to:

Germany- to Conny Wenk and her beautiful daughter Juliana (who last year was Luke's international pen pal for a first grade project). I first found Conny through the Gifts blogroll and was so captured by her amazing photography...she is beyond talented and has such a fun sense of humor! In one of our mail exchanges Conny gifted us with one of her books, Three Little Butterflies...I squealed with delight when we received it and we have it displayed lovingly in the boys room.

South Africa- to Loren, who's blog I began following shortly after Malakai was born. She is a fabulous writer who writes from the heart and I enjoy reading about their journey. They recently welcomed baby brother Harlan into the mix...who is as equally cute as big brother!

New Zealand- to Mel, I know you already received this so as Nan P. says...just add it to your bouquet and count yourself doubly loved! ;). I love reading about the adventures of your adorable Luke, plus I am kinda partial to his name so it was a no brainer to like you! ;)

Canada- to Heidi whose sweetness and adorable boys transcend through the computer screen. She and her husband recently spoke at their church about the news of Joel's diagnosis and raising a little one with special needs, and even though I knew she was from Canada it was so fun to hear her accent on the video....something that does not automatically transcend through the computer ;).

Phillipines- A new blog to me... May I am so glad you found me and I look forward to following your family's story and watching little Lucas grow, his smile is infectious!

....Is it corny to end by singing, It's a Small World?!? ....but in actuality it is, and even smaller when you talk about the family of Down syndrome and the instant bond you feel with another mother, grandmother, or family member who also loves someone with Down syndrome.

So to my blogging friends oceans away....thank you for allowing me to share in the beauty of your families. I hope this little sunshine award brightens your day! xoxo