Celebrating your Crown

3.21.12

Today we celebrate.

We celebrate life.  We celebrate love.  We celebrate patience.  We celebrate our differences.  We celebrate value.

We celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.

We celebrate YOU, my precious child ...

We celebrate the gift that God gave us when He created you, Jack, and the many other special children with three 21st chromosomes.  And, we celebrate the immense JOY and LOVE packed into that extra little chromosome.

Jack, from the moment you were created, you were meant for special, wonderful things.  You carry more than an extra chromosome, my child.  You carry a light that I have yet to see in any other.  You carry my heart and my soul.

And you wear a glorious, marvelous CROWN ...

On the day that we met and I put you to bed,

I noticed a crown on the top of your head.

It was made up of sparkling, glimmering things

like moonlight and fireflies, and dragonfly wings.

I always knew just what your crown meant.

It said that you were MAGNIFICENT.

... and it means, like a star,

YOU WERE BORN TO SHINE.

With your crown made of glittering, high-flying things,

you've got wind in your pocket, your wishes have wings.

You can run like you mean it ... so, let the wind blow ...

There's just no telling how high you can go!

Whatever it is you choose to do,

no one can do it exactly like you.

Ride on the big slide!  And if you fall down,

remember your glorious, marvelous crown.

It won't flicker or fade.  It won't dim.  It won't leave.

All you have to do is BELIEVE.

Do you, my child?  I hope that you do.

The world is a wonderland waiting for you.

And you get to share it with all your friends, too!

They each have a crown that is faithful and true.

No one's is brighter, no one's is duller.

It's only a CROWN OF A DIFFERENT COLOR.

(from Nancy Tillman's The Crown on Your Head)

We adore you more than you'll ever know, sweet Jack.  We pray that you always know how much you are loved, valued and honored.  Our hearts have been lifted and our lives have been enriched by your presence, by your true colors,

 ... and by the glorious, marvelous crown on your head. 

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the CROWN of life, which God has promised to those who love Him."   - James 1:12