Friday, March 9, 2012

March

March is an important month for me and those with Down syndrome.  I'll first get to why it's important to me.  March is the month for Saint Patrick's Day - which has my name in it, so it's totally MY day!  Plus I'm Catholic and the saints are completely cool - especially Saint Patrick.  So, if you're reading this, please wish me a Happy Saint Patrick's Day (even though I'm Portuguese/Ukrainian :)  ).

But, March is important to those of us with Down syndrome because the 7th is dedicated to ending the "r" word.  To me, my family, and my friends it is a completely hurtful word.  It infers that those of us with daily challenges are less than human.  It infers that we are different, and therefore less.  I am none of those things.  Even if it's being said as a joke to someone who is considered "normal" it carries the same hurt.  It is a sad and stupid word used only by sad and uneducated people.  So, join the pledge to stop using it by clicking on the link to the right.  To be clear, I am special.  I am loved.  I am a photographer.  I'm a dog owner.  I have even gone to college.  The "r" word should change to be "respect".  Word.

The other important day in March is the 21st.  Get it?  March 21st is 3/21 - or trisomy 21!  (http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/ ).  As the signs say, "I rock my 21st chromosome".  And I do!  I make the most of my 21st chromosome.  I think my parents are still surprised at the places I go and how many people say "Hey Patrick"!  I am popular.  It must be my good looks.

Anyhow, that's why March is important.  Show your support.  Just sayin'.