It is heartbreaking to know after all the time humans have lived, society still requires reminders in order to apply inclusion into day to day life. I, similar to far too much of the world, did not understand what special needs is and what it actually means to cherish diversity. Until I realized just how different, beautifully different, humans can be, I did not understand the glorious marvels  of human life.

On May 13, 2015, I felt a combination of anticipation, restlessness, and delight, while waiting for my youngest sister to begin her life outside of my mother’s womb. Without my father, who passed away eight months before, my mother offered me the opportunity to sit in the room during the home birth. At nearly midnight, Rebecca finally made her appearance. During the first few moments after birth, Rebecca started to turn purple due to the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, causing my heart to race even faster. Panicked, I started to pray while watching the midwife calmly but quickly unraveled my little sister. Once the umbilical cord situation ceased and Rebecca became a normal newborn color, I noticed something different about her in comparison to my other siblings. Unable to pinpoint the variance in her facial structure, I brushed it off and excitedly awaited my turn to hold the precious little child.

A little while later, after the midwife had left, mom conveyed the midwife’s suspicion of Rebecca having Down Syndrome to my older brother and I. Consumed with worry for my sister’s health, I started to research Down Syndrome and ask numerous questions to my mother, who also did not know much about Down Syndrome. Between doctors, specialists, my mother, and my own research I learned of various health issues, the physical challenges, and development delays commonly associated with Down Syndrome. Heart disease and heart defects were the only major concerns when learning about Down Syndrome. My protectiveness for my sister and concern for Rebecca’s health lead me to volunteer to attend every doctor and specialist appointment for her I could. Thankfully neither of Rebecca’s heart conditions require open heart surgery and may resolve themselves with time. Despite having a few minor health issues, Rebecca does not ever stop enjoying life.

Rebecca wasted no time demonstrating the power of her ever giving love to friends, family, and even strangers. Even before Rebecca could walk, talk, or roll over, she bore a smile with the power to light up a room and consume her entire face. Without fail every time I walk around a grocery store or at a park, Rebecca will find the one person who seemed to have a rough day and give them a reason to smile. When I forget about her power to connect with people I am always reminded by another person coming up and telling me how they told their cousin about the adorable little girl who waves at them. Rebecca has a way to make all of her first impressions lasting ones.

Rebecca never shows any bias towards people. She does not see weight, height, or skin color. The only advantage someone can have in getting Rebecca’s attention is food, glasses, or a beard. One of Rebecca’s favorite things to do is meet new faces. She is always shaking hands, touching faces, rubbing backs, hugging, and blowing kisses to everyone who comes into contact with her. Rebecca loves connecting with others so much she does not understand when people do not smile and wave back at her. She gets her feelings hurt by people who do not see her attention seeking antics and affectionate glances randomly thrown in their direction.

Rebecca is always sharing her love and joy with anyone who may need it. Her want to make everyone around her happy is beautiful and amazing to witness. If I or any of my siblings are crying Rebecca will snuggle up next to us and force us into making eye contact, so she can show her smile and then hug us. She never ceases to amaze me with the power of her empathy.

Before Rebecca became a part of my life I thought I accepted all people for who they are, but I measured others on academic ability or skills in sports and art. Knowing Rebecca I have learned academics, sports, and art are only a few of the abundant skills humans can have. Rebecca can bond with people and spread joy. Her abilities are not any less valuable, and maybe even more amazing, than solving a math problem or running a mile.