3-21

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day. A day to educate and a day to celebrate. I am celebrating my connection to Down syndrome by honoring Cameron. I am going to list 21 facts about Cameron and hopefully remind people that what he has brought to our family and friends  far outweighs any of the pittfalls we've encountered along the way.

1. Cameron was 5lbs 4oz at birth and it took him 6 months to reach 10 lbs.

2. At just 6 months of age, Cameron had open heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart. He stayed in the hospital for 7 days.

3. Cameron rolled over for the first time when he was at the hospital the day of his surgery while getting his pre-op things out of the way.

4. Cameron is a middle child. He has an older brother Alek and a baby sister Rylee.

5. Cameron started walking when he was 3 1/2 years old. His baby sister had just arrived and he had to show her up!

6. Before Cameron began talking, he used sign language to communicate. He could sign around 200 words and although he doesn't use the signs since he has started to talk.....he still remembers most of them.

7. Cameron attends school 3 mornings a week in an inclusive preschool setting with our public school system. He even rides the school bus.

8. Cameron wakes up (at the crack of dawn) with a smile on his face. He truly is happy "most" of the time.

9. Cameron's favorite color is orange.

10. His favorite food is burger with fries and ranch.

11. Cameron loves his family and grandparents.

12. Cameron once had a therapy dog which he didn't care for. We have since gotten a stray dog whom he has named "B Curtis". He and B are best friends.

13. Cameron is very loving. He loves to hug and kiss us all.

14. Cameron touches the hearts of all who know him. We never get tired of hearing how much everyone loves him.

15. Cameron knows the names of every restaurant we pass while driving in the car.

16. Cameron knows the words to a lot of the popular songs on the radio and can even request them by name.

17. Cameron stays very healthy and unlike a lot of the literature you read about Down syndrome.

18. Cameron has the best sense of humor. He loves to make people laugh.

19. If you are ever sad, Cameron is sure to make you smile.

20. Even though it takes a little more work, Cameron does his best to accomplish every task he is given.

21. Most importantly........Cameron is loved so much by all of us, especially me. I look back on my life and am so thankful that I have been given this very special gift. If I could get 10 more just like him, I would surely take them

So celebrate with us as we continue to enjoy all of the wonderful things we have gotten with Cameron. He has brought to us the important things in life.....the kind of things you can't buy with money.