Wishing you inner peace

I know from personal experience that not everyone will be full of seasonal cheer today.  We are generally aware of this in relation to those in areas of deprivation and conflict, but what about those in our very midst?

For many they will be facing their first Christmas without a loved one and finding the bitter sweet memories of the past difficult to cope with. Others will have loved ones who are ill and unable to share in the festivities in the way that may have been envisaged.

So whatever your own personal or religious interpretation of the day is, please spare a moment to think of those who may be having a hard time physically or emotionally.  Let's wish them peace in their hearts and lives and hope that as the New Year approaches they may be comforted by happy memories and find the strength to move forward with their lives.

Personally I always find Christmas is a time when I am conscious that a member of our family is not there to open presents with the rest of us and I recall that he never shared that time with us, which naturally saddens me.  Then I look at what I do have, three wonderful children who are rapidly growing up and of whom I can be incredibly proud.  They may not remember or never have known their special brother, but all of them are strong advocates for people with disabilities and every one of them has spoken out against discrimination or innaccurate portrayal, even correcting teachers.

How can I be anything but thankful for the gift Daniel gave us all.  To quote from a blog I read a month ago:

"Yes, I am thankful for all the wonders associated with down syndrome.  Actually, I am more than thankful, I am humbled.  Humbled we have this opportunity to be better people."

Here is the link to the blog The Ordinary Life of an Extraordinary Girl

Well that's it folks - wishing you peace and serenity.

Starting tomorrow, my DS version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Next Generation Competition

Just had to tell you what a fantastic day we had at Woburn for the final of the Next Generation Competition. It was a long day, especially for the kids, but Hannah and Harvey were both fantastic advocates for people with Down's Syndrome.

They were in the same group, the White Pengiuns and first off was a dance session with Flawless.

Here's Hannah posing for a photo with some of the guys from Flawless (who incidentally were great with the kids, but especially our two).

Then it was off to have their photos taken. It was all rather intimidating with lots of noise and things going on around us, but the photographers were very patient. These shots were taken around the professionals, so they did a much better job.

Harvey really didn't want to stand up for his photo, or even kneel down, but he pulled this pose all by himself and I have to say I think it's a winner!

Hannah was also not impressed at the prospect of standing and didn't really want to smile, but a lot of effort from her mum Jo finally got some good shots. I think she looks cute here.

There were supposed to be two winners chosen, but I guess the judges just couldn't decided between so many beautiful children, so in the end they actually chose ten. We were all overjoyed when they were announced and Harvey was one of them. He'll be doing a photo shoot for the Next catalogue in a few weeks time, so watch out for that gorgeous face.

What a brilliant positive message to show just how wonderful our kids are and that there is nothing to be frightened of, they are really just like the rest of us.  Thank you Next for this opportunity to promote awareness and thank you to Hannah and Harvey and their families for letting me share this special day with you all.

Check out more photos in my Facebook album