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A Final Goodbye

© Rachael Smith

It deeply saddens to tell you that this will be the last time I post an article to Suite 101. For many personal reasons I have decided to step down as a Contributing Editor, not the least of which is my desire to devote more time to the book about Down Syndrome I am currently under contract to finish.

I will never lose my passion for writing about Down Syndrome and my time here at Suite 101 has been very rewarding. I truly feel the fire within me about this topic has only grown brighter. I can only hope that, in the future, I will continue to reach those who have a desire to learn more about Down Syndrome.

My daughter is such an incredible source of inspiration to me that I cannot ever imagine not wanting to inform and educate people about Down Syndrome. I can only hope that my time spent here at Suite 101 has touched at least one person, and helped someone to realize the truth about kids with Down Syndrome.

As I say goodbye, I only have one request. I ask that you take time to share what you’ve learned about Down Syndrome with just one person. As I have said all along, education and awareness is key to helping eliminate so many stereotypes about Down Syndrome. Never be afraid to reach out to someone who has just learned they’re having a child with Down Syndrome. The support and hope you offer could very well change a life, maybe even yours. It is sad to note that more babies with Down Syndrome are aborted each day than actually live to get the chance to prove what they are truly capable of. This is, by no means some kind of tangent I’m going on, it’s simply a startling fact. It’s a safe bet that someone you know, or someone in your community has a child with Down Syndrome. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, or even try to get involved with kids who have special needs. I think you’ll find that once you do, your life will be completely and irreversibly changed.

I have enjoyed my time here at Suite 101 and am very thankful to have had the opportunity to share what I have learned about Down Syndrome. I’m grateful to the readers and subscribers of my topic for helping me to feel as though I’m reaching people about something that surely touches many lives. The only difference between you and someone with Down Syndrome is one tiny chromosome. Don’t let that stop you from reaching out to someone who may have a lot to teach you.

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