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Children are wonderful and awesome portals. When we gaze upon them we can be transported to alternate states of consciousness. We can see glimpses of the divine spark - the essence of God.
I have two sons. Grant is fifteen and Michael is six. Grant is a typical high school sophomore (notice how I didn’t call Grant “normal” – I’ll explain later). Michael has Down syndrome and is as equally wonderful, loved and welcomed as his brother. Both have shown me glimpses of the divine. Each is unique and innocent in his own way and have many times over shown me pathways to God.
There is, however, something unique in the way that Michael gives me these glimpses and displays portals to the divine. He has something inside of him that purges prejudice, eliminates personality venom, deletes pride and encourages happiness, promotes joy and sustains unconditional love.
If we each had just a little bit of what these people have in them, the world would be a better place.
Science tells us that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome -- the 21st chromosome to be exact. This microscopic genetic addition has given those with DS special characteristics and personality traits that are consistent yet varied. It also, in my opinion, draws others to them. They are almost always happy.
This is obvious by the way I see Michael's schoolmates interact with him. He is in first grade and from the very first moment he started riding the bus to school he has been the center of attention. It's really quite amazing to see children react to him. They can sense that he is not typical, but they don't know the real reason why - nor do they care. They dote on him, watch over him, request to sit next to him and to play with him.
There are no "normal" kids are there? I can't come to terms with lumping people into the category of "normal" since none of us really knows what normal is. We all have our own deficiencies. Both of my boys have individual talents and interests. Each will have their own set of issues as they continue to grow. There is no normal.
I once went to school to have lunch with Michael. I arrived a bit early and went to his classroom to "spy" on him through the door window. His class was outside on this lovely day signing their school yearbooks. I stood and watched -- unnoticed, as something wonderful appeared - another portal and display of the divine spark took place on that playground.
Kids of all ages were approaching Michael asking for his signature, his "autograph". One girl, wearing a school shirt, knelt down in front of him and asked him to sign the back of her shirt! This was wonderful, heart-warming, hilarious and divine all at the same time! After penning his name (which he writes very well) to their books and shirts, he would give them a high-five or shake their hand. Cute!
Thanks to early intervention at the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center in Kansas City and the excellent public school system to which my kids belong (Olathe, Kansas public schools) Michael has been completely integrated into typical classrooms and receives specialized attention in a few areas. He has benefited from this inclusion. I can't tell you how many times parents and kids will see me in public with my boys and they stop to say hello to Michael! It's common for Michael to be walking in the school halls and other students of various ages shout out to him, giving him high-fives as they pass.
His teacher has commented numerous times how touched she is to see her class react to Michael. She's been teaching for nearly twenty years and she claims she has never seen anything like it. For example, one day I forgot to pack Michael's blanket that he uses for naptime. The teacher told me that when she asked the class if anyone would like to share their blanket with him, every one of the kids raised their hands and pleaded to be the one who could do so!
To identify what it is about these special people that allow us to glimpse the divine isn't difficult. It's something most of us pursue and long for - even if only subconsciously. It's the purity and innocence they have within them.
I suppose I could credit that small, extra chromosome #21 for this. That's why I call it the "divine chromosome".
As I have often reflected, if God were to appear to me and tell me that if I wished it, he would make Michael typical I would respectfully decline his offer. I have received blessing in my life beyond compare because of the way Michael is and he has touched the lives of so many people I just can't imagine him any other way. Moreover, Michael himself is completely happy. I will ask him randomly, "Michael, are you happy?" And he always replies, "Yes, Daddy, I am happy. How are you?"
What could be more perfect than that?
Video: The Divine Chromosome a short 3 minute summary of the themes in this article.
If you are looking for resources for Down syndrome issues (no matter where you live), please click this link:
The Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City
Comments
Thank you for this beautiful, touching article. I've always wondered how I would react if I were to ever have a child born with a "disability" (maybe disabled from "typical" activities, but certainly well-able in others!) This is an inspiring way to look at him for what God gave him to you as - a special blessing.
Wonderfully written. We also have a six year old son with Down Syndrome who will be entering kindergarten in the fall. We can only hope that Marcus will be as well received as your son. It sounds like everyone involved is very lucky. May God bless you all.
Such a wonderful article. My heart was touched and having worked with adults with Down Syndrome, I cannot agree more with that divine chromosome. Thanks for such a great article.
Ron Thibeault
Atlanta Protestant Examiner
What a beautiful article. As the father of a 17 year old young man with Down syndrome I can relate to everything in this article. My son has made me a better man, husband, and father by providing me glimpses of the divine. Definitely a "divine chromosone".
While I compliment you on the love of your son, using cerebral palsy as some sort of proof of god's existence seems a little ridiculous. There is no coherent argument here, only a reference to a "glimpse of the divine", theological haberdashery if there ever was. I'm glad you love your son, just leave the god talk out of it, makes it look like an excuse.
Wow. You need some reading comprehension skills. The author's son doesn't have cerebral palsy, he has Down syndrome. And when did the author use Down syndrome as a proof of God's existence? And this article appears in the Religion section of this site. If you can't handle "God talk," then maybe you should avoid the Religion section?
What an embarrassing post from you.
I have said many of these same things about my daughter who is 9 years old and who too has that divine chromosome. I have had more spiritual experiences since her birth than the previous 34 years combined. Life is a blessing when you allow yourself to accept God's gifts. Our kids who have T21 are definitely gifts!
Just ignore Clinton. He is just a confused and ignorant individual. I loved your article. You are right, there is something even more divine about these children. Our little boy is only 16 months and has a light and spirit about him that is amazing. He is a special blessing.
Doug, beautiful article. You are right on the mark knowing we have been touched by the Divine.
Clint, We could no more "leave God out of it", than we could put God into it. He's there and it is a blessing that we get to be touched by these miracles on a daily basis.
I think clint will be surprised to know when he/she gets to heaven that these individuals blessed with the divine chromosome will be the normal ones and we will be the disabled ones.
I will personally pray for your life clint to be touched by the Divine in a way that you can benefit and recognize it someday.
Peace.
Thank you for your article. Our 4th son has DS. We are not as fortunate as you are to be able to live in a place that offers a
great educational programs. We have been repeated disappointed with our son's school--esp. his label of MR and the lack of encouragement. I have to teach him at home after working all day as he's learned nothing at school except how to hit. We are hoping to change schools for next year. You're lucky--your son must be very high functioning. Our son was never supposed to live, so after multiple surgeries and procedures we are blessed and grateful for the gift of each day with him. He loves music and church. Hearing him sing "Hallelujah" and "Happy Birthday" is awesome. Just wanted to share. Thanks.
My son also went to the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center. It's a wonderful place! My son will be 18 next month. We were one of the lucky ones - Lee Ann Britain herself came to the nursery at the hospital and encouraged us to come tour her school (my doctor called her as his children had both been peers at the school). She has since passed on. It was a beautiful funeral for a lady who did a beautiful thing by fighting for our kids and showing people that they, too, deserved nothing but the best! When I read this article, I thought that the author was reading my mind! I've had the exact same thoughts as he did. I wouldn't change a thing about my son, even if I could. Because of my son, I am the person I have become today. I can never thank my son enough for that! He is wonderful, truly a gift from God! Everybody should be so lucky to have someone with Down Syndrome in their lives. He has touched my whole family and has opened our eyes!
Thank you for this beautiful article and foresight! I concur! My son is 22 living with the challenges of D syn, Bipolar and Scizo Affect Disorder; despite what would appear to most as extreme negatives, I feel every moment I'm with him that God is whispering His sweet, divine and unconditional love to me thru my son. Everyone should be so fortunate! '=)
Personally, I love the fact that my son with Down syndrome is not even remotely "almost always happy". He does not exude any more innocence or purity than any other 13 year old. Evidence of God's divinity can be found in every part of His creation - no more and no less in my son with Down syndrome ...
What a lovely article! You expressed many of the same feelings we have had since we first adopted our 7 yr old son, who has Down syndrome. The joy and blessing he brought into our lives led us to adopt 2 more children with DS. All three of them have this same "divine chromosome" and have the mysterious ability to touch our hearts in ways that nothing or no one else could ever do. They are beautiful gifts from God, and we wouldn't change them for all the money in the world!
Our only regret at this time is that we live in a small, rural community with limited resources. We can only dream about the day when our little ones will have the opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potentials, not held back by an antiquated system of supports that falls woefully short of providing the services they desperately need.
Politicaljules, RIGHT ON! I have said many times that when we get to heaven we may find out *we're* the ones who were disabled, and those w/DS were "normal".
This is a wonderful article, sent to me by a friend who has a DS grandaughter. I also like your "un-use" of the label "normal."
"Typical" is a great word to use instead. I also write for examiner.com. I live in New Orleans, and hopefully more of my followers will read your articles.
What an amazing writer you are, Doug!!! I also love the way you referrenced the phrase "normal". I, too, have the best of both worlds. I refer to myself in being a mother to having "One up and One down". Ava is a typical, fiesty 7 yr. old beauty, and my little Owen is...well...HE'S OWEN!!! To try to explain that exhausts me, because I could go on forEVER about how wonderful that child is, the joy that he brings to this family, and how he makes me feel just being his mother. There are no words to describe the love that he brings to all involved in his life. I am soooo blessed to have my children, and that God has chosen me to value and cherish love and life thru my Owen's little eyes.
Doug, we are SO looking forward to you speaking with our community this month! Thanks for this article. I plan on sharing it.
Thank you for a wonderful article. I agree wholeheartedly. and I would not change Charlie for anything
What a beautiful article. I only wish your experience was more typical. I'm in Eastern Europe right now where children with disabilities are warehoused in orphanages, out of sight and out of mind.
Us parents of children with Down Syndrome are truly blessed. I just wish more people could enjoy this blessing!
well I just read your article, it is amazing and very touching! I would decline God´s offer to change my kids also. I love them just the way the are. They are perfect for me and I have no doubts that God never make mistakes and he knew what He was doing when he gave me Emir and Ayelen, both of them with Down syndrome :)
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