March 21 | Today is World Down Syndrome Day
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder wherein a person has a 3rd copy of chromosome 21 – thus, it is called Trisomy 21. I will not go deeper into its definition. But if you’re a first time reader in this blog, you may read the story of Alphonse first.
Before him, our life and our world is completely different. Alphonse came to us in an unexpected package and it is something that we were never prepared for. But, just like anyone else who was given the diagnosis, we were able to cope up – with the help of our family and friends who are there to support and give their love unconditionally. Slowly, our family no longer sees him as a child with Down Syndrome, we look at him just like we’ll look at other children – because really, he is no different. And that is what we are trying to tell the world.
What people should know about Down Syndrome
- Down Syndrome is NOT a disease
- Down Syndrome is NOT a kind of sickness
- Down Syndrome is NOT contagious
What people with Down Syndrome Needs
- They need LOVE
- They need UNDERSTANDING
- They need RESPECT
I grew up in a country where there is a lot of misconception about DS. I remember we have a neighbor who has it and often, he will get teased by other children and even adults – just be because he looks different. I was young, but in all honesty, I never saw him any different. Because when he goes to our bakery to buy bread, I will talk to him casually like I do with other customers.
I often hear people say nasty things and comments about parents and kids with disability. Some even think that kids were born like that because their parents have sinned. It is surprising how society reacts when they see disabled persons. And my hope is that, by the time my son is all grown up and is ready to face the world, he will not face the same cruel treatment like the old generations had. As his mother, I fear that he will become constant subject of jokes and humiliation by other people. I fear that he will always be criticized because he looks different. I fear that he will not get the respect that he so desperately deserves.
And today, while we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, I want to take this opportunity to share to the world that people with Down Syndrome needs the same kind of treatment – JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. Truly, the key is just one word – RESPECT. If you have nothing good to say, don’t speak. If you don’t know what you are saying, hold it.
Finally, being a memory keeper, I’d like to impart to other mothers with special needs children that keeping those precious memories of our child is very cathartic and fulfilling. I love to look back to those days and relive those moments because it helps me keep my feet on the ground and it helps me appreciate the greater love that we are experiencing because of my son.
So, here’s a little something for you – a Trisomy 21 inspired digital kit by yours truly and Anita Designs.
[ DOWNLOADS ]
3:21 Papers | 3:21 Embellishments
Visit Anita’s blog to download her part
Worried you might not be able to create pages? My team did it for you! Here’s a set of quick pages for you. Just plop your photos, save and print!
[ DOWNLOADS ]
QuickPage Set 1 | Quick Page Set 2
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Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful and personal part of your life with us: your precious baby boy. I have a niece with developmental disabilities and she’s now 23 years old. She brings such joy to her family.
Your son is very beautiful! I just wanted to say that I related to your blog post….not because I have a child with Downs….but because my son has Spina Bifida. I also worry that he will be teased or the subject of bullying because of his differences. Thanks for the beautiful kit!
Thank you for your generosity! I love seeing pictures of your beautiful family. Each person/child is truly a gift from God I believe and He has a special plan and purpose for each life!!
Thank you so much, Mye! This is such a gorgeous gift! I love seeing the pictures of you and your family. You all always look so happy. I especially enjoy the pictures with Alphonse. I think he is one lucky little boy to have so much love!
Very nice article about DS. I too hope that ideals change for the better concerning all disabilities. Beautiful kit too.
Such a gorgeous gift you got there!! Thank you!I think you are very lucky to have this little boy, whatever “package” he came in to 😉 I wish you all a lot of happiness.
Thanks! This is a beautiful kit, just as your son. We all have our stories and lifes. Thanks for sharing yours! Some day I might be standing strong and tell our story as well, but until then I read others and get some strength trough them and God.
Hello Mye!Thank you for the free downloads. Your kit is beautiful and so is your son. My blog is in French but I will have a special post about the Down Syndrome and a link to yours. XOXOXO
I have really enjoyed reading your story and seeing how you have changed and grown since the birth of Alphonse. I know you will keep his little soul happy, as he is meant to be. Best wishes to you and all of your family.
Oh, and thank you for the beautiful kit.
Thank you so much. I’m always impressed and feel much gratitude toward people that support a cause, especially one so close to their heart.Can you tell me how to keep the Quickpages from “coming apart” when I download them to Photoshop Elements Organizer? It always wants to separate these pages. I’m fairly new to the digital world. A big thank you!!
Hi Shirlee – I will check with my PSE users since I’m a Photoshop baby 🙂 – will get back to you 🙂
Thank you so much!
Shirlee, did you ever get your question answered? I think I can help if you didn’t.
Hi Janet – your help is definitely much appreciated 🙂 i am still looking for someone who can answer the question
Hi, Shirlee. I’m not sure what you mean by “come apart” and I don’t use PSE Organizer, but I am very familiar with PSE. These files are .png files so can be dragged into the program like any other element, etc… (I store mine on my hard drive or EHD). Then you can add a photo UNDER the QP layer and Voila… all done :).
Shirlee, is your issue that they because four separate files in Organizer? you can put them in a group together in organizer, but they’re not one file, so they’ll always read as separate images.
If I’m completely misunderstanding your question, I apologize. Perhaps you can send me a screen shot of your computer? lbeahm at gmail dot com.
You are truly blessed with beautiful Alphonse. And his smile is contagious. I’m sure he feels all love from you and family and friends.
Thank you for a beautiful kit
Thank you very much for the freebie.I love all the pictures you post of Alphonse – always makes me smile.
What a happy baby with a beautiful smile! Thank you for the lovely kit!
Thanks so much for the gift, Mye! Alphonse is absolutely adorable 🙂
I grew up with a older cousin who had Down Syndrome. He inspired me to go into the special education field as a career. Although he has passed on, our family is still full of stories of Bobby. The world is very much changed in it’s acceptance and inclusion of our children and adults who have that extra chromosome! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely kit.
wow… thank you for your generosity mye & anita. such lovely ladies…god gave you alphonse because he knew you would give him all the love he deserves. you are both blessed in different ways.
god bless you & anita more.
♥
Hi MyeThanks so much for this bunch of loveliness, i will enjoy using it.
Happy Down syndrome day,I can honestly say my son doesnot get laughed at or ridiculed he is accepted just the way he is and his laugh and smile soon win the cautious over, may Alphonse get the same response when he is older too.
Claire
Thank you so much for the beautiful freebie! Your little boy always make me smile, he’s such a sweet little man!
Beautiful. My son is autistic so I will enjoy using this to scrap some special pages about him. Your son is too gorgeous for words x
Alphonse is adorable, such a cutie and what a smile! Thank you for the lovely kit xx
Thank you so much for the kit Mye.What a cute little man Alphonse is with his beautiful smile!!
Thank you so much Mye for the kit!
I have a niece who was born with water in her brain, which resulted into her having a slow development. Thank God the water doesn’t make her head grow or she’d need to be operated. She’s a healthy 9-year-old now 🙂
Thank you so much for your inspiring story and the freebie! I am glad Alphonse is doing well and my prayer is that your hopes for a better world for him come true. (((hugs)))
I’ve been following Alphonse’s story since he was born – he is a beautiful little boy with the brightest smile. It has been so nice to see him grow and thrive.
Many thanks for sharing his journey with us, and for the beautiful & inspirational kit.
Thank you so much for your gift… love it.I Always get a smile on my face when I see a picture with Alphonse (here or on Facebook).
Thank you for the beautiful kit! When I was in my early twenties I had a boyfriend who had friends with a little girl with down syndrome. She was the sweetest thing…always full of smiles and hugs!
Thank you Mey and Anita for the kit.What a lovely little boy with his beautiful smile!
Truly beautiful! thank you.
What a blessing it must be to wake up every day and see your sons joyful smile. Thanks for the kit and for sharing about DS with us.
Beautiful kit as are all your kits! I recently listened to David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcom Gladwell. He talks about how being “less advantaged” is an advantage. Really good encourgement! His TED talk is http://www.ted.com/talks/malcolm_gladwell_the_unheard_story_of_david_and_goliath and gives you an idea about the book. (I do audiobooks so I can scrap and read at the same time.)
Mye… I was just sitting here telling my husband about you, Alphonse and your story…. Yup… been your supporter from when the sweet young child was born… needed surgery… and the love and honesty you shared! Thank you for the gift… thank you for sharing your gifts and talents!
Thank you so much Mye! There are days that being a parent of a special kiddo is hard, especially when someone publicly make snide remarks because of ignorance. My daughter has Sensory Processing Disorder compounded by Speech Delay. I had never even heard of SPD. Thank you for sharing your stories and your gift!
Such a beautiful little boy you have and a wonderful kit, thank you!! I will be using it very soon!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! My 10 year old Henry shares that extra chromosome with Alphonse and it can be really difficult to find scrap supplies that celebrate his wonderfulness while recognizing his specialness. I will d/l this when I get home & use it immediately. Happy 3:21!
Thank you, Mye! Alphonse is indeed a special gift and is lucky to have you as his mom. I hope that bringing awareness to DS will help those who don’t understand.
Thank you, Mye & Anita!! Beautiful kit for beautiful children.
Thank you so much! Gorgeous kit and your little guy is SUPER cute!!!! Give him a big squeeze from England! 🙂
What a beautiful and generous collab you two created! Many, many thanks!
You have a special and beautiful little boy, who is clearly the apple of your eye. I see his smile on your Facebook posts, and know that he is such a happy little soul, with loving people around him. May the Lord bless you all with an abundance of joy and happiness. And thank you very much for the lovely kit and your CT for the QPs. Blessings to them too.
Thank you for this beautiful kit. Alphonse is such a beautiful child. I love seeing him grow through your photos.
Thank you so much for this gorgeous freebie, Mye! I’ve also enjoyed reading and learning about your journey with Alphonse. What a precious baby, and truly beautiful blessing. <3 Andi Walker
Thank you Mye for sharing your inspiring story! May you and your family be blessed as you live your life!
Thank you for the wonderful freebie.Just in case if you would like to have a look. A video with people with DS dancing to “Happy”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCJQAm_uKyg#t=96
Love it!
Thank you so much for the lovely gift. May you and your family always have beautiful days. Kathy Wray
Thank you for this beautiful kit, Mye, and for cluing me in to this day of celebrating our special children. I have a brother with Down Syndrome and he is a happy 54 year old who makes all around him happy too. He blesses us all with his smiles and hugs.
Beautiful story and beautiful little boy! Thanks so much for the gorgeous freebie xx
you little is an amazing gift ♥♥♥
Dear Mye
You have such a happy and devoted family. I only have to look at their faces to see the love shining out.
When our children were smaller we went on holiday to the seaside and rented a beach hut. The lady in the next beach hut had a daughter who was ‘different’. She must have been about 20 but was very childlike and my children started playing with her building sandcastles and they all had a great time. Her mother said to me ‘I am sorry we didn’t meet you sooner. This is the last day of our holiday and I have never seen her happier than she is playing with your two children’.
I hope that all people who are ‘different’ get to meet special friends who don’t notice the ‘difference’.
Luv Chris
Thanks for the kit and thanks so much for sharing the story of Alphonse. I’ve loved seeing him grow this year.
Thank you, Mye! Gorgeous kit!
Love the kit you created in honor of Downs Syndrome. Love what you said and can totally understand! My niece has Downs and she is like every other child out there. She is loved by her family and we could not imagine life without her. She is such as gift as I am sure your little guy is to you! xo Leslie
Thank you for the beautiful freebie! When I was pregnant with my second, she was high risk for having DS. She ended up not having it, but we did a lot of research before the tests came back, and it was shocking to me how little I knew about it and how much of what I thought I knew was wrong. I am always hoping people will become more and more respectful and open to learning about the differences we all have!
Be blessed and enjoy your precious son!!!
Thanks so much !!
Thank you for the lovely kit, and for the reminder that we should treat all people with respect and kindness.
Wonderful post, Mye! I am happy to hear that all is well with Alphonse. He truly is a gift! Thank you so much for creating this beautiful kit. Sending my best wishes to you and your family. 🙂
I know it is a mom’s job to worry, but little Alphonse is a strong and brave boy and he is going to be just fine! He has already touched so many lives all over the world, I think he will continue to bring joy and love to your family and to the world! Thank you for the lovely kit! I am going to link to your post on my blog!
I sure admire your ability to keep working given family challenges. I have an adult son with an autistic spectrum disorder and a good friend with a adult daughter who has a disabling mental health condition and how the kids will manage without us is a constant concern. Thank you the freebie and for highlighting the challenges disabled people face and best wishes to you, your adorable little boy and the rest of your family.
Thank you for the freebie and nothing but the best for you guys!
I send you all my love and profound respect. Thank you for sharing your story and the story of your son. I hope he will grow in a much better world with the respect from others that he deserves. People are sometimes very cruel and ruthless, but sometimes it’s just because they’re afraid of what they ‘re not familiar with, or simply because they’re just complete idiots. Knowing your story may help them open their mind.thanks again.
love
Mye, thank you so much for sharing. My nephew also has DS & I believe that God blessed him by giving him to my brother & sister-in-law. They have so much love & patience to share … & I’m sure God blessed Alphonse by placing him in your family. Thanks to you & Anita for sharing this beautiful kit! God bless you & your family!!
Thank you so much for: sharing your story, speaking up and speaking out, and for sharing your beautiful family with us. Praise you for sharing your journey with your son!
Thanks for the beautiful freebie. Celebrate life!
What a beautiful kit, thank you so much! And thank you for sharing your story, and your hopes for Alphonse.
I’m so glad you shared the story of your beautiful baby! Every child is a precious gift! 🙂
Thank you, too, for your lovely kit! It’s so thoughtful!
Thanks so much for 3:21. I love it! I’ll be thinking of you and Alphonse and your family as I scrap my own boys’ baby photos. I so admire your strength and bravery in sharing your story of Alphonse. Thank-you for sharing photos of your family so we can share in the joy they bring to you.
Thank you for the lovely kit!! I have a 3 year old daughter with DS. I can relate to soo much that you wrote about.
Thank you for writing so beautifully about DS and your gorgeous son. I, too, hope for a better society in the future where special people are honoured and treasured.
Thank you for your wonderful freebie! Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for such a generous freebie, and for sharing your story from the very beginning.
We need to recognize that being different is being normal because we are each different. We also need to recognize that with our differences we remain more alike than different. We all lose when we marginalize others this way. So glad that this awareness campaign is going on!
thank you for sharing such a thoughtful kit. so generous and a great spotlight on a “taboo” that has taken shape to “accept all, no matter what” as it should be! THANKS!
Thank you for the lovely kit! You don’t know me, but I feel I know you, having followed Alphonse’s story from the start. He is getting so big!
[…] 3:21 | World Down Syndrome Day – 4 freebie(s) […]
Thank you 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful kit and for sharing your story with us. I am a speech therapist that works with children with Down Syndrome. They are all heart! Loving and sweet and innocent. Unfortunately there are many ignorant people out there- hopefully through education people will learn more and treat people better no matter the challenges. You have a wonderful family and are blessed to have each other.
Thank you, Mye! Like many others, I have been following along, watching your adorable son grow, since he was born. He is just the cutest and happiest little fellow. Looking forward to seeing more of him (and his sweet sisters) as they grow! Thank you again.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful kit with us. Your son is precious and I am glad you are sharing your heart with us, too.
You are a beautiful and strong mom, I believe he’s a blessing to you and your family in anyway …
Thank you for the freebie. What a lucky little boy Alphonse is to have you for his mum, God bless you and your family for showing all of us unconditional love.
Thank you for sharing your story as well as this beautiful kit. Cynthia
what a wonderful way to bring awareness to something many of us do not know much about. Thank you so much for that!!!!!! Thank you so much for the beautiful kit, too!! I have the utmost respect for you and your family. You are amazing!
Thank you for this nice game. My daughter also suffers from disability and it is not easy, courage to overcome daily.
Thank you and god bless you and your son.
such a cute page of Alphonse who is a cutie himself. Thank you for the fabulous freebie xx
Love this kit. Love the sentiment. Love the gifts…thank you!
Thank you very much to you and your team for the awesome freebie.Your little boy is gorgeous and he can only b e awesome as he shares my birthday 😀
I’ve had a similar journey as you as my handsome little man has autism. We experienced it a bit later in life, but to some degree I know how you feel for everyday life and thoughts of his future. I send you love, courage and all my hope for a bright happy future for your whole family!
Thank you so much for your lovely kit. What a wonderful way to honor all of those terrific people in our lives who are born “special.” When I use this kit I will think of you and your son. Again, thanks for your thoughtfulness.
Thank you so much! You have a beautiful family!
How inspirational! What a handsome boy you’ve got!
Thank you for the lovely kit but more importantly, thank you for sharing Alphonse and your family’s story. I love every thing you wrote in the post and I love seeing Alphonse growing up in such a blessed family.
These children, as are ALL children, first and foremost are CHILDREN!!! There is no shame, no regret, no embarrassment… There are in so many mays more precious!! They are the most giving and loving children!! A very special gift!!! I cannot understand the first shock of the child being labeled for a parent.. I cannot!!! But I have seen the love for these very precious children grow in hearts each and every day!!! I am thrilled you shared your story and may you and others know the most wonderful gifts you have been given!!!!! Thank you for sharing something personal and wonderful!!! Your kits are wonderful and people become stronger from others!! May God always bless you!!!!
I think your sweet baby boy is beautiful, and his smile makes me smile!
Thank you, for sharing your story!And also for this sweet kit.
You are incredible generous and inspiring!
I’m so happy to see how Alhponse is a beautiful baby with a fabulous smile. I saw your anxiety when he was born. I’m sure that the looks will change by the shares of people as you which show that love is above everything and make us grow by their testimonies. Millions of hugs toyou and to cute Alphonse, and thank you so much for this pretty kit
Thank you for sharing your story about your wonderful story. Very touching. I, too, have a special needs son and totally agree with you. You scrapbooking, products and writing are awesome. Huge thanks!
Merci beaucoup! Thank you very much! 🙂
Oh my gosh! This is the best freebie I’ve ever found online! Thank you so very much for your talent and generosity. Your team did an excellent job making the quick pages too. I love them all! Thanks!!! 🙂
And BTW, as much as I love the freebie, it’s nothing compared to your adorable lil’ boy!!!! 🙂
merci !!!et quel amour pour alphonse …..
What a handsome boy… with such big smiles! Thank you for sharing your story and for raising awareness. It’s a beautiful kit. Have a blessed day!
thanks so much!!!!
Thanks so much for this generous gift! All the best wishes for you and your familyIrene/TanteEni
Thank you so much for this beautiful gift, Mye! I love seeing photos of your little Alphonse! He has such an infectious smile 🙂
[…] Mye de Leon […]
Beautiful!
Thanks very much for the wonderful gifts Mye. Your entire family is beautiful.
Beautiful…thank you for sharing! 🙂
Thank you so much. The kit and the pages are beautiful!!
Gorgeous kit! Thank you!
Hi Mye, If I had not read that here, I never would have known. Thanks for sharing his story and what a beautiful blessing he is to your beautiful family <3
Mye, thank you so very much for sharing your story…I was quite touched by it. Thank you also for the lovely gifts which I greatly appreciate. All the best to you and your family.
Thank you so much for sharing your work and your story.
Thank you so much for this faulous gift !!I Always get a smile when I see a photo with Alphonse 🙂 he’s so cute !!!
Such a beautiful boy, you’ve got . Thanks for your generosity, as the others said, Alphone is lucky to have you as mum and to be in this wonderful and happy family.Thanks for sharing this fabulous kit !
Sorry for the mistake ! I wanted to say “Alphonse” of course !
Thank you Mye XXxx Children can be mean to people different than them – unfortunately though I believe that is what they copy from adults around them. I think your son is beautiful and how lucky are you and your family to wake to his smiling face every day. Gather the kind thoughts and love around you and knit a blanket to keep you all safe and warm in times of ugliness..
I understand the shock of first finding out your child has DS. But, I will say this, it is a wonderful and memorable experience to raise a child with DS. My son will be celebrating his 20th birthday in a couple of weeks. And I can honestly say his presence in my life has been the most tremendous gift. The love and smiles he brings to our lives as well as many others makes this world a little bit of a better place.
You and your family will be blessed over and over by your little Alphonse. I wish you much joy and happiness as you raise your little surprise blessing. Always focus on what he can do and not on what he can’t. He is a beautiful little guy and I know for a fact that he will change the world around him. Hugs from The Bennett’s in Texas!!!
I was so wrapped up in celebrating your son, I totally forgot to thank you for your beautiful work on the 321 freebie! It is perfect! Thank you!!!
Thanks so much for sharing such a beautiful kit 🙂
Mye,Thank you so much for sharing your talent to make this beautiful kit with Anita. I have followed Alphonse’s journey since birth and it makes me so happy to see the photos of him. May God bless you and your family always. xo
Thanks much for the freebies. Having problems downloading the paper zip files. Is this freebie no longer available.
The freebie is still up and I’ve not taken it down yet. I’ve tried downloading and it worked. Would you mind trying it again and let me know please?
Thank you so much for your generosity! These are beautiful!
THank you for a beautiful kit and beautiful sharing. He is beautiful indeed!
Thank you for sharing inspiring moments of your life! What a sweet son.
Merci beaucoup =)
Your son is a sweet heart, thank you for sharing your story and this beautiful kit!
Thank you very much , it’s beautiful !
Hi. I just found your site and this beautiful kit. Unfortunately the download no longer works. Are you still offering this kit as I would love to include for my son. Thank you.