Photo credit: www.dsscotland.org.uk
Today is World Down Syndrome Day!
According to worlddownsyndromeday.org, today was selected as World Down Syndrome Day because the 21st day of the third month signifies “the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.”
March 21 is important for the global community for so many reasons. Firstly, it serves as reminder that all people are worthy of love, respect and kindness. Secondly, it forces us to take a second to remember that there isn’t just one way to make a difference and be a productive member of society. People come in all shapes, sizes and abilities, and house all sorts of characteristics, habits, beliefs, opinions and talents. We are all so different! No two people will ever be exactly the same. How incredible is that?
Every year on March 21, people are encouraged to wear unique, colorful, and oftentimes mismatching socks to highlight the idea that difference isn’t a negative. In fact, it’s our difference that makes us special — just like those colorful socks.
So today, rock those bright, beautiful socks and be proud of who you are and the place you hold in the world. And stop a second, on this World Down Syndrome Day, to recognize the true beauty in difference, and the wonderful qualities, and sometimes extra chromosomes, that help make people unique. After all, this world would be a boring place without a little extra love.