The Significance of 321

Today's date is March 21st. Also written as 3/21. There is a significance to this date, to those numbers. The numbers 3 and 21 also represent Down syndrome. In medical terms Down syndrome is Trisomy 21. A trisomy means a 3rd copy. Down syndrome is the result of a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome. 3/21.

Today, 3/21, is World Down Syndrome Day. 

I celebrate my daughter every day, but today I celebrate just a little bit more. Today is a little reminder that she has that little extra chromosome. Today is a little reminder that our family joined a community we never thought we would be a part of, but one we embraced and found ourselves embraced right back.

Today is a little bit of a reminder that we celebrate Kayla, and all those with Down syndrome, and their little extra chromosome. The extra chromosome that doesn't define them, but is a significant part of who they are. The little chromosome that means there will be challenges, but celebrations as well.

Today is a little reminder to say, "Yeah, my daughter has Down syndrome. So what?"

Today is a little reminder to say the world is a better place for having people with Down syndrome in it ... because they are very much a part of the human race. They are very much human beings, just like us '46ers' (those of us with 46 chromosomes, instead of 47).

Today is a little reminder to say we celebrate those with Down syndrome, not mourn, or pity them.

Today is a little reminder to celebrate their births, their accomplishments, their milestones, their triumphs, their joy, their laughter, their tears, their whole being.

This is the reason I celebrate World Down Syndrome Day:

Her shirt says Celebrate 321 and underneath that it says 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. World Down Syndrome Day. She wore this to school today. I hope teachers take notice and read what her shirt is all about.

Won't you join me in celebrating a little something extra?

In honor of today, Plus15 is matching donations 3:1. So your $15 donation turns in to $60! The last time they did matching donations over $150K was raised in a single day!