In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month coming in October, we wanted to chat with a couple of our favorite moms, Eilene Franks and Katie Harder, both raising children diagnosed with Down Syndrome. As you will see from this conversation, there is so much more to a person than a diagnosis, but we do want to shine a light on the special children they are raising and how we, as a church and community, can better understand and support families like theirs.
Did you know that September is “Self Improvement Month”? What if you made a plan to finally learn that thing you’ve always wanted to do, or take the time to finally finish that book? Whether it requires mental or physical muscle, time or talent, emotion or solitude--learning something new is good for the soul.
When my mother in law told me she bought a book about politics I just HAD to read, I was apprehensive. Diving into politics really isn’t what I enjoy doing in my free time, but I read the book since it was a gift from her. I ended up devouring this book and highlighting it all over the place. There are many books I love to recommend to friends, and I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers is now one of the highest on my recommendation list.
Me: Umm… your shoes are on the wrong feet.
Son: I know! It makes Petey laugh!
Me: Isn’t it uncomfortable?
Son: Nope!
Me: Well, go ahead and get in the car I guess.
Petey, in case you are wondering, is his favorite stuffed animal. I am fairly certain Petey cannot laugh, but I guess stranger things have happened.
