Twenty-four years ago, we were given a purpose and a blessing beyond what we could then understand when Joshua Seth entered our lives. We have come to see that our purpose is to love him fiercely, advocate for his best and greatest, and enlighten all those we meet on how to do the same for him and all those who live with Down Syndrome. The blessing is receiving even greater love in return and growing in ways we never thought possible as individuals and as a family. We chose to accept this sometimes difficult life purpose and the honor of receiving the blessings that come with it.
To those who have willingly and intentionally joined with us hand-in-hand to walk out this purpose and calling.
To those who embody this acceptance in all forms, whether you know him personally or only through social media.
To those who always keep a special eye out for him in larger groups.
To those who ask questions and seek to know more.
To those who show intentionality and go out of your way to include him in all that you do.
To those who value him as an integral member of your friend group and invite him to all get togethers, hang outs, and social gatherings.
To those who partner with us to spread awareness of Down Syndrome, even in the smallest ways.
To those who reach out to him via texts, calls, and FaceTime just like you would with any of your other friends.
To those who know that he is more than a diagnosis or disability, and that he is fully capable of doing anything he sets his mind to.
To those who speak with him like you would with any other 24 year old, and not in a way that is "dumbed down" or like you would speak with a young child.
To those who give him your time in a conversation rather than brushing off what he has to say to focus on those "more important".
To those who focus on him when he is speaking and ask kindly for clarification when you cannot make out what he said, rather than looking to us for a "translation".
To those who don't assume that you know what he can and can't do or does and does not like, but instead are willing to have an open mind that is constantly changed and transformed.
To those who create advocates in your children, friends, and those around you by sharing what you know and your loving experiences with people with Down Syndrome.
To those who treat him as a person with flaws and strengths, not as just some interesting commodity who is "always happy".
To those who see his greatness.
To those who push past your comfort zone to know him and love him
best.
To those who recognize the magnitude of his knowledge and seek to learn more from him about what he knows.
To those who think he's just the coolest person they know.
To those who rock your socks for World Down Syndrome Day.
To those who refuse to use the R word.
To those who listen to my consistent stories and memories of him as he is the most influential person in my life.
To those who continually push for more inclusion, respect, and understanding of those who have Down Syndrome and who have perceived differences.
To those who love.
To all of you, thank you. Thank you for loving our family and our favorite guy in such a powerful and special way. Thank you for realizing the importance of advocacy and standing with us to create further acceptance and respect. Know that you are such a crucial and integral part of the Down Syndrome community, whether you realize it or not, simply because you use your actions to speak louder than words ever could.
