GET INVLOVED,BE INSPIRED.

Sonoma County Down Syndrome
Support Group

sonomacountydownsyndromesupport.org

 

 

Photos

Dedicated to all our children, young and old, we love them all.


Who Likes Me Just As Me

I am a kid with Down syndrome.

It is not something I would choose.

I'd like you to know me better.

Would you take a walk in my shoes?
Down syndrome affects my body

from my muscles to my brain.

But I'm more like you than I'm not.

Come with me and I'll explain.
Let's take a walk together and you can see

things through my eyes.

Look we both have Nikes on and

we even wear the same size!
As we walk listen carefully,

I'll be teaching you about me.

Together we can have some fun,

but your help will be the key.
Be patient as I am talking.

I often get tongue-tied.

If you can wait long enough,

you'll see we're the same inside.
In school I'm often frustrated,

learning stuff that's new.

Learning isn't as easy for me

as it seems to be for you.
So if you see that I'm in trouble

and I need a little clue.

Try drawing me a picture

or showing me what to do.
Don't worry if I tell you, "No thanks,

I don't want a hand."

I like to do things for myself.

My motto is: "I CAN!"
But you can always help me

by cheering for my success.

Just like I'll cheer for you when

you score a goal or ace a test.
Smiles, hugs, pats-on-the-back . . .

they all make me grin.

I'll give back all these things to you,

multiplied by ten.
My world is full of fun things,

like movies, pizzas, swings.

It's great to have a friend

to share in what each day brings.
Thank you for walking in my shoes.

I wanted you to see.

I really need a friend like you

who likes me just as me.

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and learned that little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who do not.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I will have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt but it is all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking!"

A line across his hand

The day my child was born the sun shone in the sky

My life would change forever and here’s the reason why

You see my son is different, things did not go as we planned

For my child was born with a line across his hand

A line across his hand

A line across his hand

Things did not go as we planned

Because of the line across his hand.

They said that he would be slow too learn and never read or write.

But when he took his first steps it was a special night.

They said he’d never be a man and always be a burden

But he’d show them wrong, it was the one thing I was certain

A line across his hand

A line across his hand

When his hand’s held in mine
I can’t see that line across his hand.

Oh how very hard it was to learn to tie his shoe

There were days we thought it was something he’d never ever do

But then one day he made the bow up right and neat

Oh, his life ain’t always easy but his victories are sweet

A line across his hand

A line across his hand

That shoe lace didn’t care
there was a line across his hand.

I always dreamed we’d play with a baseball and a bat

but in our life together we jog the High School track.

There are many things that he can do and things that he can not.

He’s much more than the sum total of the
syndrome that he’s got.

A line across his hand

A line across his hand

Don’t judge who he is by
that line across his hand.


If I had the power to change his life I’m not sure what I’d do

But his life has been a blessing ‘tho I’ve shed a tear or two

I love my son more then I believed all those years ago

I guess in this life we do reap what we do sow

A line across his hand

A line across his hand

Doesn’t change the love you feel inside that line across his hand.

Now my son is grown and holds a job and has a lady friend

He is proud and kind this message I will send

A line across his hand

A line across his hand

They were wrong, I know that now this boy of mine’s a man.

 

 


 

Sharing

Read some of the heartwarming stories from parents about their experiences with their children and grandchildren

SHARING

Slide Shows

View some of the many events sponsored by the Support Group


SLIDE SHOWS

 

More Photos

Still more fantastic photos of kids and families in action


PHOTOS

What parents want you to know . . .

Learn about other groups supporting Down syndrome families

LINKS