My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man had imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace
Your birth brought us closer
As death lingered near
Your strength as you struggled
Gave flight to our fear
Down syndrome they whispered
Days after your birth
Two words that portrayed
A false image of your worth
Those words did not tell us
Of the love you would bring
Or the power your smile has
To make our hearts sing
Down syndrome didn't tell us
What kind of child you would be
Filled with amazing surprises
Shared with your father and me
Hard work, determination,
teaching and learning, it's true
Down syndrome means much of this
For each of us, not just you
Wonder child, spirited child
You've grown and you've thrived
Your every achievement
Still fills us with pride
No matter the voice used
Two words can't describe
The fullness you've added
To so many lives
Down syndrome, those frightening words
Whispered so long ago
Never did they prepare me
For the person I now know
© Tori's Adventures 2010