Celebrating Yourself (Down Syndrome Style)

Last night I attended an annual awards ceremony hosted by Edward’s day program, Chrysalis. For most of the night Edward was subdued, mildly enjoying the food and entertainment. But then his name got called, and I’ve never seen him jump up faster.

He hustled through a maze of tables to get to the stage—with both hands in the air, dancing to the music, totally engaged in the glory of the moment. He was getting an award, and everyone knew it.

After receiving his certificate, he just stood there dancing, waving his award above his head. Even as one of the presenters tried to usher him off, he wouldn’t budge. So, for a few seconds, she joined him in his dance. Finally, one of Edward’s workers came over and took his hand and gently led him off stage. As they walked back through the room together, Eddy continued to wave his award over his head, and bounce to the music. The crowd loved it and clapped along, joining in on Edward’s joy.

Later, when two of Edward’s peers got awards, another beautiful thing happened. After racing to the stage, as well, to receive their certificates, they then slowly worked their way back to their families—stopping at every table along the way.

With huge smiles, holding their certificates to their chests, they paused to let everyone in the room in on their joy. What made this amazing was the response of each table—beaming faces, total receptivity, and joyful laughter. Every person at every table understood. Each was there because someone in their family attended Chrysalis. The room was filled with people who could see. They knew what it was like to walk the difficult path of raising a child with a disability. Through the challenge and the pain, they’d learned how to step into their loved one’s shoe’s and celebrate achievements accordingly. Because ‘wins’ were so hard fought for, they knew the importance of whole-hearted celebration. To see a room full of parents and siblings cheer for the achievements of others, just like they would cheer their own family member, felt like heaven on earth! This is how the world should be—everyone rejoicing with those who rejoice, with no envy, judgment, or reserve.

When Edward and I got home that night, he must have watched the video of his acceptance dance a dozen times—with total delight! He didn’t judge himself at all. All this makes me wonder what it would be like to live this way—to receive good things this freely and enjoy them this fully. Edward knows he’s worth celebrating, and I think he thinks the rest of us agree.