January / February 2005
Volume 23, Number 1

   So often at Down Syndrome Aim High we like to highlight the accomplishments of our family members and friends with Down syndrome.  We showcase examples of people who have jobs, have attended college, play musical instruments, and live independently, among other things.  We hold them up as examples of what our children can attain.  This is an important and wonderful thing to do.  It allows parents like me to hope for the future of our children – to dream about what they can accomplish.  Without those examples, many parents might lose hope.

    But I can’t help thinking that sometimes parents and others look at these models of what could be and know that their children will not achieve that which is being showcased. I don’t want people to think that we at Aim High only value the ones that “excel” in something.  Every accomplishment is important and every goal should be specific to the individual.  What is attainable for some is beyond others.  We need to watch our children grow and celebrate his or her own triumphs and not get wrapped up in what is accomplished by others.  Everyone develops at their own pace and everyone has their own peak.  It is not important what we accomplish relative to others, but what is our own success.  In the business world people are usually judged just the opposite.  How hard you try relative to your own ability is irrelevant, it is results that count.  In life, and family, we can delight in the triumphs that are important to just us.

    For Sarah, who is five, potty training is one of our next big goals.  She seems to be so close, sometimes going the whole day or longer with a dry pull-up and then suddenly she either forgets, or perhaps simply decides that she does not care.  We have been working so long but are not quite there yet.  But when it happens, it will be an important milestone for us and we will celebrate. 

    We’d like to hear your stories of accomplishment and celebration.  They don’t need to be stories about climbing Mount Everest or winning a nationwide employee of the month award.  Tell us your stories of small but important accomplishments to you and your own family.  I guarantee there will be another family that can share in your sense of joy and success.