Cover for the blogpost "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just a little extra" featuring three photos of Fumiko and her daughter Nina making fun faces.

Why A Down Syndrome Diagnosis Was The Best Thing That Happened To Me

I owe who I am today primarily to my daughter. My journey to becoming this person was not an easy one. I had to first go through the most terrifying and painful moments of my life and let go of all fears and expectations.

When I was in my late 30’s I was very focused on starting a family and having children of my own. I had met the love of my life and was ready to settle down and build the loving family I had dreamed of.

About a year into our marriage my husband and I received the best news of our lives, our family was growing!

World Down Syndrome Day Fumiko pregnant.

I was elated and of course, he and his family were too. So as usual, we went to all of the routine doctors’ appointments – and that is when my world was turned upside down….

I distinctly remember when my husband Henry and I called his mom, Joyce, on the phone to tell her what we had just learned, that our baby has Down Syndrome.

All the years I wanted to be “just like them” and all the work I had done building community around the Face Yoga Method, to finally feel comfortable in my uniqueness, had failed in front of my eyes.

Not only was I a first-time mother, but having a special needs child and raising her in a foreign country scared me so much. I felt so different and strange. I was scared and completely heartbroken because of my very limited understanding of Down Syndrome.

I was so disappointed from this news, and could hardly speak, so when we picked up the phone to call her he had to speak for us.
“Mom I have something to tell you about the baby,” Henry said.
She choked, “Okay. I hope it’s not bad news!”
“The baby has Down Syndrome” he told her.
“OH! I am so glad it is not bad news, Down Syndrome is nothing…”

I was so shocked and relieved by her reaction. I think I had been expecting her to feel the way I was feeling inside. Maybe because I had built up so much fear and worry and heartbreak over this unexpected news, I don’t know, but what I felt after hearing from her was a huge relief and weight lifted off my back.

Fumiko and her mother in law.

I could breathe a little easier again.

I am so grateful for having Joyce in my life. She and I have become so close and with my mother being all the way in Japan, it is even more valuable that I have her so near to me and my family. She is such an amazing role model.
She grounds me and helps me relate everything happening in my life with such wisdom and confidence. Joyce exudes such loving and joyful energy and when I am around her, I know that everything is going to be ok.

As we told more people the news, we realized we really needed the positive support most people get when announcing their family is growing. We wanted to help people embrace the news of our baby just like any other.
We sent our close friends and family a baby announcement which explained that baby (we didn’t know if it was a boy or girl yet) was healthy but just had an extra chromosome, which causes Down Syndrome. The letter went something like “if you are just finding out that we are expecting, it feels great to us to hear, “Congratulations!”
And people loved it! It helped them know what we needed from them, and it gave them a chance to express their excitement and joy in a way that was really helpful to us!

When it came time to tell my own mother about my unborn baby with special needs, she echoed words eerily similar to ones she had told me as a child said, “Well, the baby is so special, smart and unique, because she chose you!” Her words were the final building block to my bridge into confidence and excitement – my own mini-me!

When March 22nd, 2010 came around, all of my worries about what she would be like suddenly disappeared. Our daughter Nina was born and I understood that her diagnosis was not the end of the world, she was absolutely perfect and she was all mine to cherish.

That was the moment I promised myself that I would never, ever feel sorry for myself, for my daughter or for my life being “different”. I decided I would never try to be “like them” again. I promised myself that I would love my daughter the way she is. I decided I would love my life the way it is. Nina is my life. She made me the way I am.
Finally, I am not afraid of being “different” or “unique”. I am embracing the way I am.

It’s not so scary, but it IS life-changing and It IS fun and now my life is GREAT!

Yes, my life as it was had ended, but now, I would never ever wish it back.

My daughter, Nina, is the best teacher I’ve ever had and my role model. She is incredibly strong and determined, she knows exactly who she is and what she wants.
I’ve asked her several times in the past why she’s chosen me to be her mother, her answer has always been the same “Because I love you.” That is all I need to hear.

World Down Syndrome Day Fumiko Teaching pregnant

So maybe you know someone with Down Syndrome, maybe you don’t. But what I can say is, don’t build fear or sorrow around the diagnosis.
Remember Joyce’s words, “Down Syndrome is not that bad, it is nothing really” and I hope that it gives you strength.
Strength to move forward,
Strength to understand and accept what is,
Strength to tackle the hard days,
Strength to appreciate your life,
And most importantly, strength to realize that you can overcome any obstacle.

My family and I would be honored if you feel inclined to make a donation to the Down Syndrome Information Alliance. Your donation will provide families critical information and support. I would also love to hear your stories of overcoming a major obstacle in the private Face Yogi Community! Supporting each other is what this is all about!

129 thoughts on “Why A Down Syndrome Diagnosis Was The Best Thing That Happened To Me”

  1. Erle L. Broughton

    Thank you for your post. It was just what I needed. I lost my mother (best friend) in December and am about to go through my first Mother’s Day without her and was feeling sad and sorry for myself. My two grown boys are my life and even if they are not at home anymore they love me and I love them. I can move forward and try new things. I am also going through a divorce so my future right now is that I am going into the unknown. I can and will face my fears and anxiety. I will be grateful for the wonderful relationship I have with my children and friends I have reconnected with over the past two years of my divorce. Your blog was wonderful and I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day!
    How can I donate to Down’s Sydrome? Is there a link – I could not find one on your page.
    Thank you!

  2. What a lovely share and such amazing words from your mom – Nina chose you as a mother, she chose your family and it could help you all soar to a different avenue. You are a positive and vibrant energy in all our lives. All the very best in your journey ahead…xxx

  3. hi
    i have a 16 yr old Down’s Syndrome daughter, Rylene Rei.
    my life, career, daily routine revolve around her…life can be tough but i accepted that i was chosen to be a good mother to her. Always be positive and positive energy will give us strength in our journey!!

    rina
    singapore

  4. You are a wonderful mom
    With a beautiful daughter .
    My all prayers with you as always and I trust Allha He ‘ll make your daughter normal like others.
    So always trust GOD .
    You are superb brave
    Stay blessed

  5. Piera Maria Alexandra Verri

    Dearest Fumiko ,
    Ultimate Gratitude to You & Nina for being our inspirational wonderful teachers of life. I Love you both . My sincere intention is to support you without any doubt. Love and Light piera

  6. Thank you so much Fumiko for this inspiring message! You are amazing! It is so touching! I wish you and your family love and happiness. And thank you that you help us to understand many beautiful things!

  7. Dear Fumiko,

    thank You so much for sharing thit! I have son with dysphasia. Stil I have big problem with that compiration. Because I always say… but they don t know how it is. They don t know how many times, nerves, bad emotion I have to fight with. And so on, etc. …. Why we always want to compare with someone? Because we don t wanna feel strange. But maybe it s time to look at this from the other point of view.
    I m sure, I ll read it again, because it gives me strengh.

    Thank You and good luck in everything U do. In each minute.

  8. Beautiful stories of beautiful heart and soul; everyone is unique and have one battle to fight or tackle; thanks for sharing and am fighting shrinking ovarian cyst, pid, infertility watching my diet and likes. Once again hbd to our dear Nina. Our uniqueness is our ladder to greater heights and successes.

  9. This is so beautiful. My colleague shared your blog with me. My child is 4 weeks old and we found out he has Down syndrome 1 day after birth. We had the initial shock of fear, worry, and everything that comes with it. But after a couple of hours of processing, we had an overwhelming sense of gratefulness that filled out hearts. We’ve been so grateful and have so much love for this kid…It’s crazy. It’s almost like there’s more love filling our hearts with this one, than with our other two kids. Which isn’t true, but it’s a feeling that is unexplainable. I think my father said it best to my Mom…”It’s like this child steals your heart and encompasses nothing but love. It’s a feeling that I’ve never had with any of our other grandchildren.”

    I’m so grateful for the opportunity to rain this child and I’m so happy he chose me and my wife to raise him. Thank you for your beautiful blog post. God Bless.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Hi Jordan, I am so happy to hear that my story found its way to you! Congratulations on your bundle of joy. The initial feelings you had are so common but it is amazing to hear how in love you are with your son, I can feel it! Best to you on your new journey, I hope to stay in touch! xo

  10. I love you for telling the beautiful story of your daughter Nina. Her pictures show so much joy, and you have infused her life with it!

  11. Thank you for sharing your family’s experience of learning that your baby, Nina, had Down Syndrome. What strength Joyce gifted to you in you and your husband early on. I’m a a special needs teacher and have had several students with Down Syndrome in my classes each year, along with other students with a range of disabilities. Sure there are challenges along the way, but on the whole, we have so much fun along the learning journey, appreciating each child’s abilities and humour. I believe these wonderful people with disabilities teach us SO much about ourselves – rising to the challenges, we become much better, more compassionate human beings.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Hi Cazu, thank you for reading my story. You are absolutely right, they teach us so much! Let’s rise to challenges together <3 xo

  12. Dear Fumiko San:
    I admire you even more after knowing your story. I have no words to describe what I felt with your story. The way these situations challenge our very positive way of thinking and how we hit bottom and rise again being stronger is a life lesson that I´m thankful you share with us. Nina is very lucky to have you; you´re the right person to be by her side to overcome this dysfunctional society. I´m sure the legacy you´re leaving Nina will last for centuries.
    From the bottom of my heart I thank you for sharing your method. In a couple of weeks, it gave me the confidence I needed to keep going because it´s based on effort and daily discipline that brought out the best version of ME, without any external agent.
    I was absolutely sure to invest in your method after I tried the 5 exercises you published on Youtube and I decided to buy the bright eyes challenge the ebook, which I love. The price is absolutely fair and the way you structure the challenge and accompanied with the ebook is a piece of art; your ELearning method is fantastic, well structured, easy to follow and easy to understand.
    After knowing your story, I´m going to spread the word even more, so you can keep helping others as you did with all of us.
    ありがとう, Georgina

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Georgina, thank you for being a part of my community and for your kind words. I am so glad that together we can help others breach past their deepest fears and insecurities, thank you for sharing. xo

  13. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story. So many Down Syndrome babies never have the opportunity of life. Your daughter is a beautiful living testimony of how precious life is. She is blessed to have you for her mother.

    I am a teacher in a private school, and each year, I mention National Down Syndrome Day and show a brief video clip to my middle school girls. I am moved every time I watch some with down syndrome and other mentally handicapped individuals quoting parts of Psalm 139.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjLiH-J_O_4

  14. Ginger Tankersley

    This is such a great story! Its really sweet to hear. Ive been a music teacher for my whole career and have taught children with Down Syndrome. Mostly I have enjoyed getting to know them on a personal level. A battle of wills has been an issue in the cladstoom but just to talk and enjoy these children’s personalities is delightful.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Amazing Ginger! I am sure you and your music has had such a positive influence on your students! ❤️

  15. Fumiko, you are rally special because you have a special gift – your daughter. My sister has Down syndrome. She is the most amazing, lovely and honest person I’ve ever known. She is the best sister and the best friend. Whenever I see her she always put a smile back at my face. She is a ray of sunshine to my family and she is amazing the way she is.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Anna, it sounds like your sister is just as lucky to have you! I hope you both keep shining your glow on to others!

  16. My dear Fumiko I‘m so happy to read your story and to know you have such a fantastic family!
    To have such a fantastic mother in low is not common place, be grateful and thankful! I’m sure you are!
    Enjoy your family enjoy your life! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story with us!
    Keep going, big hug to you and your beautiful family

  17. I love, love, love your post! It brigthens up my soul ❤️. I gave birth to a baby girl who left her body a few minutes after her birth – and perhaps she has choosen me for her Short-time experience here on earth as she wanted me to grow. Thank you for sharing your Story. from Vienna, Austria, Europe. Andrea

  18. Brava Fumiko! what I notice is that Nina is a beautiful happy girl. I’m single, so here in Italy is not allowed to adopt a child… I work as architect and I like to teach from time to time to children who need special attention. This is my way to turn around the obstacle of being alone and give my contribute to those who needed.

  19. Eva Gynnerstedt

    Your story about your fear and uncertainty around your coming childs extra Chrmosone is so understandable. Hurray to you, and to your husband and to your boths mothers on how you handled the situation and how you turned it into a story of love, acceptance and spirituality more that remaining in a despair. That is a great role model for many in any challenge in life!

  20. Hi Fumiko, thankyou for sharing and again inspiring. Yes, my great cousin, Moira and my best friend’s daughter Hannah have been born with extra chromosome .. and the love and caring they receive from and return to their families and friends is truly amazing. I have considered your request but presently donate to quite a few other charities and can’t afford another one. I do however send wishes that you are able to raise abundant funds .

    sincerely

  21. It is so beautiful to hear your study. Downs Syndrome children really are such a blessed gift to us all and great teachers. Much love to you all on this journey together.

  22. What a wonderful story!! Your daughter is beautiful like her mom. You have an amazing life Famuko. You are truly blessed ❤️

  23. Thank you so much for sharing this ❤️
    My daughter is also unique and special , she has a lot of physical problems to live with and had to go the hospital many times and many more to come.
    So your words gave me even more strenght and understanding that we are the chosen ones. And we are lucky in a way to be able to experience this to the extend that we live and enjoy life in a broader perspective @ beïng grateful

  24. Bless you and your family! Down Syndrome children are the absolute neatest little humans there are. They are so loving and special!!! I do not have any children but have worked with and have friends who have these amazing youngsters. Thanks so much for sharing your story! Hugs, prayers and blessings!!! <3

  25. Felicitaciones por linda historia llena de fe, confianza y amor Es un Sí a la vida… y eso es maravilloso.
    Con los mejores deseos,
    un gran abrazo desde Chile.
    Verónica

  26. I can understand you emotional reactions and the ups and downs of your journey. Many years ago my second child was born with some mental and health issues unlike the lovable nature of beautiful souls with Down Syndrome.

    Sadly, her illness won out and I lost her in 2001. The stress and worry has taken a toll on me and my face shows it!

    I have not been able to conquer or master rice yoga but… I am going to try again!

  27. Ruby Jhunjhunwala

    My first grandson was born nine years ago and soon after his birth we were informed that the child had a genetic issue – I understood it was serious but had never heard of Down syndrome. Even though love poured out for the baby there was a constant fear lingering. First few years were very hard for my daughter ,thank god our close knit family system in India helps. I committed myself for a year to help her and in the process heal myself.
    Today this child is our little Buddha, it is his presence in our live that we are learning the meaning being in the present. Thank you for sharing your story.

  28. You are an amazing woman!
    All of the articles which you’ve shared in the past are so enjoyable, informative, and beautifully written. Hard to believe that English is not your native tongue. You do the English language proud!

    Sharing of one’s life experiences is helpful. It not only provides information, but equally important, it gives hope when hope can often be so elusive. Thank you for sharing yours. Your outlook on life for you and your daughter is truly inspirational!

  29. What a beautiful story!
    Shifting our perspective can make such a difference in how we perceive things.
    Happy birthday Nina!
    Blessings and love to you and your family
    Maria
    ❤️

  30. This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I work with children with special needs on a daily basis. They are Life. I also had a grandparent and have an aunt as well who remind me of you mother and mother-in-law. We all need that grounding – it brings us home.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      What an amazing career to have Katrynnaa! I’m sure you have had such a positive influence on the children you have taught ❤️

  31. Thank you Fumiko for sharing, with such honesty and vulnerability, an intense moment of your Life, and the choice of loving & trust you made, supported by your family

  32. Dear Fumiko,
    Thank you for this lovely positive story. I wish you, your daughter and husband all the positive things life has to offer us.
    Kind regards,
    Mim.

  33. Janice Bauer-Thomas

    Hi Fumiko,
    I am a retired teacher of special needs children. The joys of knowing and teaching Down syndrome kids made my days brighter. They are the most lovable human being on this planet. Thanks for your amaZing story. I would donate but on a teachers retirement I just can do it right now. Big hugs

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Hi Janice, please do not worry about donating, your support and your contributions as a teacher to the community is amazing ❤️Thank you!

  34. MONICA MARTELLI CASTALDI

    Dear Fumiko,
    You gave us a sweet and beautiful present with your video and your words.
    Life is beautiful, it is true.
    Thank you!
    Monica

  35. Dear Fumiko,
    I understand so well what you are writing about …
    My daughter Erin is soon to be 12 and is also “enriched” with that little extra. She is my life, my strength, my sunshine. We live in Romania and things are moving really slow in what concerns opportunities for our kids. Therapies are covered mainly by parents… Even the right to learn in a mainstream school, together with their pears, is to be fought for! In fact, that is what I am doing now. But it is a fight worth for. Years ago I didn’t understand the huge joy each step forward can bring into my heart. And there are many more to unfold… It is as is she’d be a bud hiding the miracle of spring, slow to bloom but wonderful to follow.
    If I got it well, it would be appropriate to wish Nina a Happy Birthday. May she be happy, healthy and may the sky be her limit so she can fulfill most of her dreams.
    I admire and respect you and the way you managed to do everything so well. I wish you to see your daughter reach her potential and become whatever she’ll want to become.

    With most sincere thoughts and warmest wishes,
    Luana

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Hi Luana, thank you so much for sharing your personal story and journey with your daughter Erin. I can tell you are so strong and I hope that more opportunities open up in Romania for children to have the same access to therapies and education as everyone else. I know that with your help and guidance, Erin will be able to reach all her goals and dreams and I wish you both the absolute best in this beautiful journey!

  36. Olathe Sherman

    Love to you! My Sister has down syndrome and she is 20 years old now. She is so full of life and teaches us love and understanding.

  37. Thank you so much for sharing this part of yourself with your community; I think it will draw many even closer to you. It is, after all, in our struggles that we feel most ‘connected’.

    Blessings to you and your precious daughter!

    namaste

  38. cecilia guidote alvarez

    yes down syndrome babies are very special.. i am an artist and i gave dedicated myenergies to tge creative empowerment of special children pwds who i call handicapable instead of handicap..we have aperformingcompanysocially integrated where the pwds are synergized with the indigenous and out ofschool. we are the earthsavers ensemble honored by Unesco as Artist For Peace. we are in the Philippines.it is a voluntary group.. if you ever cone go the Philippines, we can fo a performance for five a fund raiser or we can feature your experience as a mother if a down syndrome .. broadcast on our radio program and arrange a tv interview for our common cause. cecile Guidote Alvarez.. I have been linked to this dork since i was 15 year old and i am now 75 years old and legally blind.

  39. What a wonderful blessing life is in all it’s gifts ❣️
    I loved your & Nina’s soulful story⭕️⭕️
    EMC2 provides an energy balanci & healing process called The AIM PROGRAM. I’m a facilitator. People with Autism, Downs Syndrome & Cystic Fibrosis are a special research for. EMC2 & free scholarships are given.
    If you feel guided to an evolutionary form of healing, check my website I’m happy to answer any curiosity or questions.
    I love Face Yoga & so does my face⭕️♥️⭕️

  40. Your daughter is so beautiful, thank you for sharing your story. You are such an inspiration, really appreciating you being one of your students.

  41. Shannon von-Stomm

    Thank you for sharing your personal story it revealed such deep abiding love for your child and your life, and filled me with hope. God has poured down his blessings upon you, your daughter, and your husband. God is using you mightily; you are a genuine loving vessel to help with Donations for down syndrome. Blessings on you and your family. Respectfully, Shannon Von Stomm

  42. Marta L. Chávez

    Tengo 2 hijas y un hijo, la segunda tiene Síndrome de Down y ya tiene más de 35 años! Siempre ha sido nuestra inspiración!! Siempre la aceptamos como lo hacemos con los otros hijos pues todos somos diferentes!!

  43. You are a total inspiration Fumiko! It is wonderful to see the beauty of your life and have so much gratitude. xxx

  44. This is beautiful and inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing this vulnerable and transformative story with all of us.

  45. Christiane Mönnich

    Dear Fumiko, thank you for sharing your story. It really touched my heart. You have very wise mother-in-law.
    I am a socialworker and work with elderly people who have special needs. Some of them have down syndrom.
    They saved my live 8 years ago.
    Before that I was totally worn out and doagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrom. I could not do a lot till I got tired and could sleep for hours withouth moving.
    Two years after this diagnose, I started to work again. I really was afraid, if I would make it.
    But I worked with this people that are poor in the eyes of many.
    I give a lot, but I also could draw from them (especially in the beginning) and received another wealth.
    A laughter, lightheartedness, authenticity, acceptance, sometimes crazyness, thankfullness, forgiveness and love that only rich people in heart can give.
    Through them I found my way back to strength and self-confidence, because they showed me that I am valuable.

    Be blessed and your daughter as well,
    Christiane

  46. Felice Fontana

    Although I am not a mother, unfortunately, I have heard from many families who have DS children how special they are. Whenever I encounter someone with DS, I experience what loving, special human beings they are.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      I couldn’t agree more Felice! Nina is so loving and so much fun and I can’t imagine my life without her x

  47. Hi Fumiko,
    You are a very positive woman and il is fantastic the way you love your child. I am a teacher for children with special needs, and since I began to work in school I have been knowing many different students with special needs, but the ones I remember with great emotions are Down Syndrome students They are so friendly and sweet. Every time I have the chance to teach them, teaching for me is not more a job but a special moment in my day. I love them all.
    I think that your child is a wonderful present life gave you.
    With love Antonella

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Hi Antonella, thank you for your lovely comment and also for the amazing work that you do as a special needs teacher x

  48. Thank you for sharing your story. We all face different challenges everyday, some large, some small – but they are all what we make it. Our outlook is everything. Sending much love to you and your family!

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Really appreciate you taking the time to read my story Lori and I definitely agree that no matter what challenges we face in life, we must keep moving forward and make the most of what we have x

  49. That’s the best attitude. And it’s true. It is good, only different. People are too afraid of different.

  50. Thank you for sharing your story! My oldest son has Down syndrome. My biggest fear has always been the world not accepting him. We, as his family, know how wonderful he is, but what about other people? He’s in fourth grade and is loved by everyone at school. He loves to dance and takes hip-hop classes. Dominic would not be Dominic without his extra chromosome.
    Have a wonderful weekend and hope you guys had fun celebrating World Down Syndrome Day!

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Your son sounds absolutely wonderful Abby and i’m sure he brings joy and happiness to all those around him! I have found that sharing my story has not only helped spread awareness but has also helped educate people and give them the opportunity to understand more. We had a wonderful time celebrating and hope you also had a great weekend x

  51. What a beautiful and inspirational story to remind me that all things are possible with the right mindset. Both of my daughters were born “perfect” but both developed both psychological and physical diseases in puberty. My oldest tried to commit suicide in college. There are no cures, and the struggle to diagnose and help with their symptoms has been physically, emotionally and financially draining for me. Your story inspires me not to feel sorry for them or me, but to take our story, share it, and become stronger because of it! Thank you for sharing.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Thank you for sharing such a personal story Ann. I’m so sorry to hear that both you and your daughters have gone through such difficult times but I definitely agree that all things are possible with the right mindset 🙂 Sharing my story and my journey and having other people (like yourself) share theirs back has been an incredible experience and I am so grateful of the kindness and support of this community <3

  52. Beautiful, Fumiko! My brother Albert has Down Syndrome and just celebrated his 47th birthday with family and friends. The day after, he started planning for his 48th! 🙂

  53. Millie Iwamoto

    I was not expecting this message from FaceYoga but it was an amazing uplifting message. Thank you Fumiko san for sharing your experience . I am glad I joined this FaceYoga and to be part of the FaceYoga team. Hope I could meet you when there is a get together of members soon. Thank you again for sharing and Happy Birthday to your lovely daughter Nina.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Thank you for your kind words Millie and I am so glad you are part of the FYM community! Hopefully will be able to meet you one day soon too x

    2. Johanna Content

      Fumiko thanks for sharing your story, You have a beautiful daughter with lots of fantastic qualities, and you have a beautiful family all together. lots of people doesn’t even have what you have. I know that it must have been very difficult for you and your husband, the most important is that there is love and that is what is needed in every family. Send you Blessing and Love

  54. Lilia Mendivil

    You got me, Fumiko, 100%!
    My youngest brother has Down’s Syndrome. He is 53 and I am 61. My mother died one year ago, and I am now his legal guardian. I love him so dearly, as do my other brother and sister. His condition is severe; however that only means he can’t work and always needs supervision. As to his social interaction, he is like all other people I know with D.S., he is always happy, he loves hugs (really prolonged ones, too!) he loves music, (as a matter of fact, I don’t know what his life would be like if music didn’t exist). He is mesmerized when I play the piano for him, ever since we were kids. We are Mexican and live in Mexicali, Mexico, right in the border with California. I send you our blessings and best wishes.

    1. Fumiko Takatsu

      Thank you for sharing your beautiful story Lilia and I know that your brother is very lucky to have you and your family to help and support him xxx

  55. Martha Beck has a son Adam with the same condition. She refers to him as her Zen master. Her book about the diagnosis Expecting Adam chronicles her journey.

      1. This was beautiful, I have learned we are all special and unique and life’s challenges are those like the butterfly leaving its cocoon, a place and journey to get stronger and fly with what matters and be beautiful. Clearly we all are, keep moving forward and embrace life, love is what matters. Many blessings and keep sharing your most beautiful self and stories.

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