November / December 2004
Volume 22, Number 6

    At this time of year I become reflective about what I am thankful for.  On behalf of Down Syndrome Aim High, I am thankful for the hard work and dedication of the all-volunteer organization.  We are coming up on our 25th anniversary a little more than a year from now – a milestone that I believe is matched by only a few of the other member organizations of the two national Down syndrome organizations.

    I am also thankful for the tremendous support we receive from the community – attendance at our various events by friends and family members, the support of our elected officials, and the financial support of so many businesses and individuals that allows us to afford great programs.

    As I reflect more personally, I am tremendously thankful for my wonderful family.  I have a terrific wife, Debbie, and two wonderful children, Justine (11) and Sarah (5).  Like most kids, ours are both challenging and rewarding.  Sarah is the one who has Down syndrome.  We found that out early in Deb’s pregnancy.  Our decision to play the hand we were dealt is one of the decisions in our life for which I am most thankful.
 
    In addition to Sarah herself, I have met so many terrific people that I probably would not have met, and had so many experiences that I would probably have not had, and for that I am deeply thankful.

    I recently returned from a quick run upstairs to grab my shoes – the last thing needed to head out the door, already late – only to find that my can of soda had been poured in a long line on the floor from the kitchen counter where I had left it, through the eating area, and onto the rug in the family room.  It reminded me of one of those painted-on lines that hospitals, stores and amusement parks use to help you find the way from one location to another.  There stood Sarah, holding an empty soda can in her hand, greeting me with a smiling and excited, “Hi Daddy!”  I tried to explain to Sarah, with a quiver in my voice as I tried to keep from laughing, that she should not have done this.  And while I am not thankful for having to clean up the mess and being even later getting out the door, I am very thankful for each and every one of such moments with either of my children.