Keeping up with our Mexican Culture
From a Mexican American family view My husband and I were born in the border city of El Paso, Texas and since our dating days, we understood the importance of keeping our culture and traditions alive within our own family and community. When we decided to start our family, San Antonio without a doubt was going to be our new home. As many Mexican American border families, we come from a beautiful and rich culture…
Read More
A Father’s Reflection
From the moment he was born, it seemed like my son Daniel couldn’t wait to start experiencing everything life has to offer. My wife and I would have appreciated if he could have waited a few more minutes: barring a last-second save by a doula, Daniel would have been born on the floor of a hospital bathroom. My wife realized that Daniel had Down syndrome before I did. In the hospital room the day after…
Read More
Rocket Ship
March 21st is recognized as World Down Syndrome Day. We come together to advocate for inclusion and celebrate our friends and family members with a diagnosis of Down syndrome. This special day is a reminder of how strong this community is. If you would have asked me 10 years ago what I knew about Down syndrome, I would have answered “not much.” Nine years ago, after an uneventful pregnancy, everything changed. I gave birth to…
Read More
Meet Cristina
I am Cristina, a 28-year-old woman with Down syndrome. Sometimes it takes longer for me to learn new skills, but that has not stopped me from doing what I love. Getting more education is one of my goals. I enjoyed school because I loved to learn and be with my friends, some who also have disabilities. Sometimes it was not so easy making friends and going to regular classes, but I set a goal…
Read More
Christmases With Daniel
Our first Christmas with Daniel was before he was even born. Unbeknownst to him, he made his first plane ride in utero: a trip to see my dad in Florida. We visited New Smyrna Beach which has been a special spot for my family for a long time, from the time of my paternal great-grandparents. I walked the water line and took pictures while Daniel’s two-year-old sister walked into the ocean for the very first…
Read More
Gratitude
A 2011 study in the American Journal of Medical Genetics found that self-reported happiness among those with Down syndrome was at a staggering 99 percent. The same survey found 79% of parents felt their outlook on life was more positive because of their son/daughter with Down syndrome. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with…
Read More