For those who don't understand Down Syndrome, here's some quick knowledge before we begin. NDSS defines Down Syndrome as a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Down syndrome causes a distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability, developmental delays, and may be associated with thyroid or heart disease.Early intervention programs with a team of therapists and special educators who can treat each child's specific situation are helpful in managing Down syndrome. But, I'm not much of a stick to the textbook kind of girl. What does Down Syndrome mean to me? Pure love, joy, strength, radiating positivity, and that heart warming feeling that brings tears to your eyes. To me? Down Syndrome isn't a BAD thing, it's a BLESSING. A beautiful soul and pure person.

This summer I had the privilege of caretaking for a set of 6-year-old twins, Caleigh and Conner, who was Down Syndrome and Autism. When I say privilege, I mean beyond privilege, these kids were the highlight of my summer. The amount of laughs, smiles and tears of joy I've shared for these two has been amazing. Taking care of Conner has opened my eyes to the beauty of Down Syndrome. I don't think there is an ounce of negativity in this little boy. He has pure love, joy and is a ray of sunshine. His beauty shines through his infectious laugh that takes your breath away. This little boy has faced many medical challenges along the road. Let me tell you, he is a true fighter. Every day that I get to spend with this little guy is a blessing to me. It's hard to put words together that capture the beauty and love that Conner radiates. He has inspired me in so many ways, yes, a six-year-old has been a life inspiration for me. He's taught me what unconditional and pure love looks like. Speaking of unconditional love. Watching Conner interact with his twin Caleigh will seriously bring tears to your eyes. The love that they have for each other absolutely warms my heart. She's his twin/bodyguard/ soul mate/ best friend/ snuggle bud. I've never seen a relationship so full of pure love. They are the true sibling goals.

For all of you who have ever doubted the mental ability of a child with Down syndrome you are severely wrong. Conner along with many children with Down Syndrome are incredibly smart in their own ways. Conner is a six-year-old non-verbal child with Autism and Down Syndrome, but this smart little boy has learned how to communicate in ways he can make others understand him. When he's feeling little under the weather he's going to snuggle so much that you'll never get off the couch. When he's hungry you bet he's going to be stomping his little self into the kitchen and throwing his hands into the air. I find it absolutely incredible that through these challenges he has found other ways to tell us what he needs. It's absolutely an inspiration how Conner is continually breaking through the barriers that he faces.

To me, Down Syndrome is an infectious amount of strength, love, and positivity. I wish everyone would get a chance to at some point in their life meet a child like Conner. He's truly changed my life and opened my eyes to the beauty of Down Syndrome. My summer has been filled with so much fun and love because of Conner and Caleigh and I wouldn't have traded it for anything.