October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Along with all of these:

National Dyslexia Awareness Month
American Archives Month
Italian History Month (Christopher Columbus Day Parade, NYC)
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Book Month
National Work and Family Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National CyberSecurity Awareness Month
Filipino American History Month
LGBT History Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
Polish American Heritage Month
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month
Pastors Appreciation Month
Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week

That’s a lot to be aware of.

Every year I feel like there are more and more important causes added to the list. For me it seems this happens only in October, when I want to bring awareness of what life is like with my beautiful daughter with Down Syndrome. I only bring this up, because each and every one of these causes are so, so important to so many.  I know that there are other months with lists just as long. And I believe EACH of these issues are important for ALL of us to be aware of. Each of these things are as big a part of someone’s life as Annie having Down Syndrome is a part of ours. So this month I will be writing and posting and sharing to bring Down Syndrome Awareness like I have done previously during Octobers since our Annie was born. But I will also be reading posts and articles about all of  the other things we are asked to be aware of this month and all months. If I want others to become educated and aware of what is important to me so that my daughter may have a better future, I must also be willing to come to a deeper understanding of the many other issues that affect so many lives.

So this month – and all months – I ask that we pay attention. That we acknowledge the causes of many. That we focus on compassion and kindness and a better, healthier future for all. I LOVE October because it means I get to talk about my Annie, to share the joy she brings to us 365 days a year for 31 glorious days in a row. To hopefully help break some barriers she may face in her future. To change the way society views her future so that she can have the future she wants. So starting tomorrow I will be writing about Down Syndrome because it is so very important to me. But if I want real change, I must remind myself, and all of us, to at least take a look at what may not be important to us individually, but what is important to someone. That is how I believe we will bring the change we need in the world. And by sharing our girl 😉