World Downs Syndrome Day // Family Spotlight: Uncle Mark

Hello everyone! Today is a very special day for our family! Many of you don't know this, but I have an Uncle who has Downs Syndrome. Today, I get to feature him on World Downs Syndrome Day!

Forty-Two Years ago, God blessed our family in a very special way when my Uncle Mark was born. He is my dad's younger brother. And I can't imagine life without him!

Downies are different, that's for sure, but anyone with one of these special people in their lives will tell you, they are irreplaceable!

Mark loves bouncy balls that light up when you throw them...he loves throwing them where you least expect him to so he can watch you chase it. His favorite ball though is a basket ball.

Puzzles are another favorite. He loves his animal peg puzzle and "tricking" us into thinking the parrot piece belong in the colt spot. And he'll smile so big when he get's the iguana and the turtle in the right place.

He loves apple sauce, "eggies" and ice cream. And chocolate milk is a must! He loves his fruit juice and pancakes are high on his list too!

Picture books with bright colors are another pastime he enjoys. Noah's ark, with all the animals, held his attention for a several moments as he looked from one animal to the next.

Another time, we were looking at a "First words" book and I pointed at the brown dog in the picture. "Laddie," he said, referencing a dog he'd had as a child. Who knew that he remembered Laddie? It was a special moment as he stared at the picture and grinned, saying "Laddie" over and over.

Oh, and did I mention he loves music? Twinkle Twinkles Little Star, Jesus Loves Me and the B-I-B-L-E are favorites. And he enjoys listening to FBN, especial The Bible in Living Sound!

While there are lots of challenges and not every day is a "good" day, we feel so privileged to have Uncle Mark in our family!

If you want to see something that will bless your heart, read this post and watch the video! It's so precious!

If you can, show your support for World Downs Syndrome Day by wearing mismatched socks! And if you meet a family with a precious Downie, stop and talk to them. It will make their day and you might just get a hug ;)

Have a blessed Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22