Down syndrome and evidence of the Divine
Doug Billings from Kansas, USA tells us about his son Michael:
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. 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 is no "normal" kid is 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". There are lessons for all of us when we have the opportunity to meet someone who has what society calls "disadvantages". We are called by God to accept and love all people and these special people openly and eagerly invite us to do so! God wants each of us to show others his divine spark. Most of us typical folks aren't able to do this as well as those with Down syndrome.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?
- Doug Billings, Kansas, USA
WOW!! The author has captured the essense of my experience as the lucky parent of a child with DS. Thank you Doug and may we all take a step back to more fully appreciate the magical...yes devine...presense which comes so naturally to our beloved "special" ones. All the best from London to you and your family... so close yet so far away.
Posted on June 11, 2010
I rise and give you and your wonderful son Michael a STANDING OVATION. Im so sure that many of us parents that have a child or children with Down syndrome will completely agree with you.
Thank You for writing this, You have truly caught the essense of our kids and of what I feel when I look at my beautiful Konner-Paige. She amazes me everyday. I have been so blessed to be given this sweet little girl....a gift from God!
Sincerely,
Sarenda Filbin
Posted on June 17, 2010
I too stand and applaud you! I too am a parent of a young man with Down Syndrome. He is 26 years old now. I too would not wish to change one thing about him. He is perfect just the way he is.
Scott was included with his peers from 3rd grade on and the kids did know there was something different about him but the didn't care. They just wanted, no NEEDED to know Scott.
He walked with his class in 2002 during commencment and he got a standing ovation from his class. He was the only senior NOT wearing his cap, he has Autism too, and it was bothering him. When he got the standing ovation it spread through the stadium and he walked to the microphone and said "Thank you VERY much!" which made everyone go crazy!!!!
I get to see the divine purpose everyday he wakes and smiles at me. He is totally accepting of everyone he meets no matter what THEIR differences are.
Posted on June 17, 2010
Doug,
I loved reading this article about Michael. I still remember the day that your dad and mom brought Michael to one of his first baby classes at the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center. Your family is so special. Take care of that sweet little boy and come visit us at IDC some time!
Posted on June 22, 2010
What a wonderful message! Just found out that a very good friend of mine found out her new baby has down syndrome. I have been researching and praying since she told me. I know he is a special gift from God and will bring his parents and those around him so much joy! Thank you for writing this, I will share it with my friend.
Posted on August 31, 2010
I really enjoyed hearing about Michael and how true and beautifully spoken. Thank you. Amen!
Posted on October 4, 2010
A beautiful article. Inspiring and love filled. I totally understand the love and pride you have for your child. I am a mother of 5 children, the eldest of which has Downs Syndrome and he will be 31 this coming week. I love the description that the added chromosone is divine. I will remember the description always. Like your child my son is special to me and all he meets. He has a heart of gold and my life would be incomplete without him. God bless x
Posted on October 23, 2011
Indeed ... A beautiful article and a beautiful child ...
Thanks for sharing,
Angie
http://ceciliaandhersisters.wordpress...
Posted on December 5, 2011
i agree there is no normal....just kids.....i love your story and your boy looks and seems very special...i believe that these kids were put on this earth to remind us of that and to become more epithetic and appreciate life as we should. he's beautiful and in my eyes an angel.
Posted on June 9, 2010