DSAM: I Dream Of Jeannie

Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM) is coming to a close but not before I have the opportunity to share this years themed collaborative images. My friend Nicole and I worked together to bring you Danny and Sandy with our 'Grease' themed shoot last year (read it here). This year we chose to pay homage to the first episode of the classic show "I Dream of Jeannie" that originally aired in September of 1965.

The episode is that of unique discovery and Nicole and I thought this makes a fabulous analogy pertaining to having a child with Down Syndrome.

 Blake (AKA Major Nelson) stumbles upon the surprise of a Genie (Well, Jeannie)bottle washed up on the shore where he is stranded, alone. Our diagnosis of Down Syndrome came as a surprise and instantly I felt alone, stranded in an unknown land. 

I quickly came to find out that I had a unique and beautiful tour guide and I most certainly wasn't alone. What a beautiful community we instantly became a part of. I have connected with local mothers like Nicole and mothers from all over the world who were also once stranded on their own unique islands. 

Our children land into this world, in their unique form with their gifts and abilities. Nicole makes a great point about her magical daughter Amelia, that this world wants her to keep her magic hidden and wants her to be like everyone else. But Amelia, Blake and everyone else in their community can't help but share their magic with everyone they come in contact with. 

As a community we should not have to explain our children's worth, justify their existence, or constantly fight the systems that were designed to help them. We do still, every day. We also continue to advocate, educate and start meaningful conversations in an effort to share the magic we experience as well as the challenges. 

This adventure is full of twists and turns. No day like the last. Just like raising any other children. 

Society places limits on our community based on antiquated, myths and a hyper focus on what they CAN'T Do. Instead, imagine you looked at someone with a disability and saw only their strengths? or what they love to do? or ponder how you can assist them in achieving their individual dreams and goals? I am under no grand delusion about my son and his present levels. He will never be an astronaut like Major Nelson but he may love to study outer space, take an internship or job at NASA in another capacity if that is what he wants, or simply love space movies. The sky is the limit and I love him to the moon and back no matter what.

People with Down Syndrome want what everyone wants: To love and be loved. 

They wan't to be understood, respected, supported and given opportunities, just like you and I. They want to be meaningfully included in their communities, classrooms and conversations.

The celebration of differences is long overdue in our world. Why would we want to be like anyone else? (boring) Our humanity is what binds us in similarity, our differences are what help us evolve and grow to be the best version of ourselves. This is a quest that is never ending, for all of us.

Never loose sight of the magic in others or in yourself.

The Joke's on you Wayne Brady

It is fabulous that we live in a free society where everyone has the right to their opinion's and feelings. I'm thrilled to have a medium to voice my utter disgust at a recent "joke" made by comedian Wayne Brady.

He was taking part in Comedy Central’s roast of Roseanne Barr this past Sunday. At one point in his routine he directed the following statement to Jeff Ross, another comedian taking part in the roast.

“Now the thing is Jeff, these are all jokes, and I really like you. I really, really like you. But a lot of people hate you, especially Sarah Palin because you remind her of what Trig is going to look like when he’s 40.” 

First let me say that I DO NOT agree with Sarah Palin's politics, religious beliefs or her conduct with respect to animals but I am disgusted as a mother that Mr. Brady felt the need to make a "joke" inferring that Trig (Sarah's son) would be ugly at 40 because he has Down Syndrome.

Seriously? He also did not take kindly to the Boo's that immediately rang out from the crowd.  The real JOKE is that if ANY comedian made fun of or derogatory remarks about the African American community you better believe that they would be forced to make a public apology.

That is exactly what Wayne should be giving the Down Syndrome community today. Starting with Trig Palin, an innocent boy in all of this who cannot read his hurtful words now but will one day be able to.

I know that I am personally excited to see what my beautiful boy Blake will look like when he is 40! I hope he will be a HAPPY man despite the clear prejudice, ignorance and lack of compassion this society still seems to have toward people with perceived differences. He will be a contributing member of society, the greatest teacher in my life and NOT reduced to the punchline of a game show hosts joke.

My Son Blake!

I wonder if Wayne would be laughing if someone made a joke about his daughter Maile? or about a group or community that Maile was connected too? As a parent it truly HURTS when someone has a laugh at your child's expense; directly or indirectly.

This is NOT a political issue it is a HUMAN one. My friend, father and Writer at Noah'sDad.com wrote an amazing open letter to Wayne Brady which I hope he takes time out of his busy deal making and joke writing schedule to read.

Let's make a deal Wayne. I will personally give you a round of applause if you take the opportunity to apologize for your disrespectful, unfunny comments .. oh, I mean "JOKE". If not the joke is on YOU. Your comments say much more about YOU and YOUR character (or the lack thereof) than it does about people with Down Syndrome. Keeping in mind of course that one day your daughter may read your comments and see your conduct. Will you joke or laugh at the expense of others and perpetuate judgement, bullying and hate? or choose to stand up and take accountability for your actions and words inspired by kindness, compassion, inclusion and love?

I can't wait to see.