I’m just like you. I have two eyes, two ears, and walk on two feet. I have a strong opinion and do everything I can to make sure my point is heard.
Occasionally I get sad or angry. I love music and watching tv. Family time is my priority.
My morning routine begins with a warm drink out of my favorite cup. The television gets turned on shortly after the alarm gets turned off. I hear the morning news playing in the background of all the morning’s activities as the big kids in the house stumble around their rooms, getting ready for the day.
We drop the kids off at school and then head to the gym. Lately, I’ve been working on strengthening my legs and core. I know people say that going to the gym makes them feel invigorated for the rest of the day. However, it completely wears me out! More often than not, after an hour at the gym I am ready to head home and take a quick nap. Luckily, I have the luxury to do so.
Since I stay home during the day, I tend to find ways to keep myself busy.
In March, I travel to area elementary schools and do presentations on inclusion. Once a week I speak with professionals who help me feel more confident speaking in public (I tend to talk with my hands. A lot.) I have bi-weekly meetings with area teachers who all work together to create educational plans for early intervention.
My relationships and friendships probably mirror the majority of people my age. I have a few close friends, but I tend to feel a little awkward around strangers, especially when they invade my personal bubble. I feel completely at home with my family. I know they are always there when I need them. And I have a huge extended family who would do anything for me.
My life is not without struggles.
I work hard to keep up with everything that is expected of me. Sometimes it feels like my legs will just completely collapse underneath me. But when that happens, there is a huge tribe of people who are always ready to pick me up and push me forward while cheering me on.
If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that I am changing the world. Little by little, day by day, and month by month, I prove I can do anything I set my mind to. And, I prove to the world that as long as they assume I can do something, I will.
My name is Marek. I am just like you. And I have Down Syndrome.
Marek is 2 years old and fills his days with physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. He has a tribe of families who surround him with love. He has made friends locally at Gigi’s Playhouse, the Down Syndrome achievement center. He also knows people all over the world because of an amazing organization called the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network.
We observe World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, or 3/21, because people with Down Syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.
