down syndrome parents
“Use your superpower.”- Tim Harris
Every inch of me was exhausted Saturday night. I spent the entire day meeting new people, attending classes and was operating off of vending machine food when I sat down for the main event. Even though I was tired and had family waiting on me, there was one person I really wanted to hear speak at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention.
If you are in the Down syndrome community, you most likely know about Tim Harris. Tim is a restaurant owner in Albuquerque…he also rocks an extra chromosome.
When you get a Down syndrome diagnosis for your unborn or newborn child, people send you loads of encouraging stories. Tim’s was the one I couldn’t forget. My doctor told me that my son still growing in my belly, would either never feed himself or -at best- flip burgers at a restaurant one day. Well, here was someone who OWNED a restaurant.
Tim didn’t disappoint. His energy rubbed off on the thousands of people who were in the seats surrounding me. He was funny, dynamic and heart-felt. He said so many note-worthy things, but as a mom, there was one statement that brought tears to my eyes and will forever impact how I parent.
When he talked about how he got to where he is today, he pointed to his parents and said, “They’ve always seen the light.”
I don’t know Tim or his parents personally (I did have the pleasure of meeting them all that night) but what I think Tim meant, was they always saw beyond his diagnosis. Tim’s parents would not allow his diagnosis to define or limit him. And if I had to bet, I’d put money on the fact that they treated Tim just like their other sons.
As I looked around the room, as I sat in classes the next day with dozens of parents, I realized people who saw the light for their children surrounded me.
Yes, there are challenging things about a Down syndrome diagnosis. Many of our children (like mine) require heart surgery. Our children have more therapy and doctor appointments than most. But with advances in early intervention and other programs we are starting to see just what people with Down syndrome are capable of accomplishing. If kids with DS have parents who, like Tim’s, expect the most out of them, who encourage and love them unconditionally…I think anything is possible.
I started this post with another quote from Tim. He said, “Use your superpower.” I decided I know what mine will be- I will always see the light for my kids.
I want to thank Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress, David Tolleson, who after reading this piece, gave me a scholarship to attend this years’ conference. I will forever be grateful for this wonderful opportunity and I highly suggest attending a conference to any DS parent out there. I also want to think Tim and his lovely parents for the “Timsperation”. Thank you for paving the way.
