21 Moments

Happy World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)!  WDSD is recognized every year on March 21 or 3-21 because Down syndrome is created when a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome.  There are celebrations, ceremonies and educational activities all around. We are doing nothing special to celebrate today other than to enjoy life. Something I learn from Rachel on a daily basis is that there is joy in the journey.  I decided that for WDS 2014 I would share “21 Moments” from Rachel’s almost 15 years of life. I wanted to choose 21 Favorite Photos for 21 Favorite Moments but that was too hard. And yes, I know there  are 27 photos. Some of these are shared moments even if not at the same moment in time. That’s why I numbered the moments! Oh and if I had music to go with it would be “Beautiful Life” by Fisher (known as the Toyota Beautiful Life Commercial). It is a beautiful time to be here. .. I hope you enjoy!

#1 – My always pretty in pink girl. Thanks Hal Jaffe!

baby rachel pink jaffe

Our Special Kids and Families early intervention group. Eternally grateful.

Ben’s Angels – our Special Kids and Families early intervention group. Eternally grateful. #2
1st Time on Times Square, 1st trip to NYC, 1st Time on the Today Show with Al Roker
1st Time on Times Square, 1st trip to NYC, 1st Time on the Today Show with Al Roker. #3

 

She just keeps on singing!
She just keeps on singing! #4
Rachel still love to read.
Rachel still loves to read. #5

Thank you Rachel for letting momma work to help create an organization for families in Memphis. Thanks to our dear friend Greg Battistelli for this awesome photo!
Thank you Rachel for letting momma work to help create an organization for families in Memphis. Thanks to our dear friend Greg Battistelli for this awesome photo! The Buddy Walk changed the Down syndrome community. #6
George and Rachel. Inclusion at it's best. And arguably one of the two best BW pictures of all-time.
#6 George and Rachel. Inclusion at it’s best. And arguably one of the two best BW pictures of all-time.
Our friend Katie and arguably one of the two best BW photos of all time.
Our friend Katie and arguably one of the two best BW photos of all time. #6
Rachel loves her Dora and her room
Rachel loves her Dora and her room. #7
I can play soccer as long as I look good doing it.
#8 I can play soccer as long as I look good doing it.
Rachel's first play, Pinocchio at the Bartlett Performing Arts. Who knew it would be her great passion. That was a turning point for mom's fears!
#9 Rachel’s first play, Pinocchio at the Bartlett Performing Arts Center. Who knew it would be her great passion. That was a turning point for mom’s fears!
Variety's Children's Charities of Memphis promotional. Makes you want to give.
Variety’s Children’s Charities of Memphis promotional. Makes you want to give. #10
Thanks Variety Children's Charities of Memphis, Kroger of the Delta and Mr. Tillman for making a difference for kids with disabilities and allowing us to be a part!
Thanks Variety Children’s Charities of Memphis, Kroger of the Delta and Mr. Tillman for making a difference for kids with disabilities and allowing us to be a part -#10
Kindergarten graduation! What a proud day!
Kindergarten graduation! What a proud day! #11
Did I mention that she loves to dance?
Did I mention that she loves to dance? #12
Daddy's girl
Daddy’s girl and how we love the beach! #13
Promoting Down syndrome awareness and the Hogs!
Promoting Down syndrome awareness and the Hogs! #14
Friends walking for Rachel and Down syndrome awareness
Friends walking for Rachel and Down syndrome awareness. #14
Disney Cruise swimming with the dolphins. She said the dolphin's name was "Jawanda."
Disney Cruise swimming with the dolphins. She said the dolphin’s name was “Jawanda.” She does have a sense of humor! #15
She became a teenager on her 13th birthday. I think she was a little bit excited!
She became a teenager on our Disney Cruise. I think she was a little bit excited! #15
Savanna and Rachel getting ready to shoot for Just Like You - Down Syndrome
Savanna and Rachel getting ready to shoot for Just Like You – Down Syndrome. #16
Just Like You - Down Syndrome. Need I say more?
Just Like You – Down Syndrome. Need I say more? #16
He does make beautiful things and this was a beautiful day for us.
He does make beautiful things and this was a beautiful day for us. #17
This is the group doing the end of show appeal at Beauty and the Beast. I love how the others are looking at her. Inclusion.
This is the group doing the end of show appeal at Christian Youth Theater’s Beauty and the Beast. I love how the others are looking at her. Inclusion + CYT. #18
Rachel's 1st speaking gig on the road at DSACF. "I Love My Life!"
Rachel’s 1st speaking gig on the road at DSACF. “I Love My Life!” #19
Rachel and other middle schoolers at WEB leader training. The smile tells the story.
Rachel and other middle schoolers at WEB leader (student ambassador) training. The smile tells the story. #20
Introducing her friend Congressman Kevin Yoder at the Down syndrome walk.
#21 Introducing her friend Congressman Kevin Yoder at the Down syndrome walk. Rachel is a great little advocate!

Photo credits go to the many folks who took these pictures. Most especially our personal photographer, Elizabeth Duncan, our new friend Chuck France and Issac Alongi for the JLY cover.

21 Moments that remind me that it is a beautiful life on this World Down Syndrome Day!  Celebrate beautiful lives!

 

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