by Brandon Taylor Wednesday, 16th November 2016ARCHIVE

January 14th, 2014, my cousin Clay was born. When he came into this world, we all knew he looked a bit different than he should. But, we paid no attention, because he was still as cute as could be. When the doctors came to get him, they said they thought he might have Down Syndrome. At first, my aunt and uncle didn’t know anything about it. When the Doctor brought him back, they said he did, in fact, have Down Syndrome. He’s taught me just as much as I’ve taught him. Here’s what I’ve learned having a cousin with Down Syndrome.

From the moment he came home, I was always afraid to hold him. I had never held a newborn before and I was so afraid I’d drop him. My aunt would always say “Do you wanna hold him?” And I’d say “Not today.” I remember thinking he was so fragile. Eventually, a company reached out to them who does special events for kids with Down Syndrome. We got to have a team name and logo. Because Clay loves super heroes, our team was called “Captain Clay and Company.” I had wristbands made, and his mom had some T-Shirts made. When October 2014 rolled around, we found ourselves doing the Walk for Down Syndrome. We walked down a busy road with a group of parents and family members who have children with Down Syndrome. Being around so many people who had raised their kids way beyond Clay’s age was a huge lesson for all of us.

To this day, it is still a learning experience. But, the lessons Clay has taught will resonate in my heart forever. His never ending happiness. His infectious smile. It makes him an amazing person to be around, despite his disabilities. He’s taught me to always be happy, no matter what you’re going through. Even though Clay doesn’t know what’s wrong with him, he has struggled learning how to walk and talk, but he stays happy, regardless, which is a huge inspiration. Clay has taught me even though sometimes we think we’ve taken the long way around this path called life, we’re just taking the scenic route. He has showed us so many beautiful things we would’ve never seen had it not been for him.

Clay has been a huge blessing in my life. He has opened my eyes. He has really showed me to stop and smell the flowers rather than rush through life. I’m so glad I have the opportunity to be his cousin. So. What I’ve learned having a cousin with Down Syndrome is that the only disability is a bad attitude.