Allyson Howell

Tag: down syndrome

  • World Down Syndrome Day: A Day In The Life of Amanda

    World Down Syndrome Day: A Day In The Life of Amanda

    Every March 21, on World Down Syndrome Day, I look for ways to talk about my sister and the beautiful life she has. This year is special because I actually live with Amanda for a temporary season. I wanted to let Amanda be the one to show who she is and what her life looks like on a daily basis.

    Journaling is one of Amanda’s favorite things to do. This corner, in what we lovingly call the “extra room,” is where Amanda writes stories, draws pictures, and exercises the Image of God in her creativity. Many of her journals revolve around dream vacations, celebrities, and activities she would want to do with her family. She starts every morning here and does her journaling throughout the day. If you’re lucky enough to receive something she wrote or drew for you, it was done with love and thoughtfulness I am sure.

    In “her” chair, with her favorite shirt, and with her pup. This big and comfy chair is designated by Amanda as “hers” and she will watch a movie in the chair every night she can. The girl loves her movies. She has celebrity birthdays memorized, knows if they have kids or not, and can sing every word to every Cheetah girls and High School Musical song in existence. She loves a good t-shirt, especially if she can represent her favorite things. Amanda loves her Walter (and Tucker, and Nova, and Maya), but she loves all dogs so deeply. If you have a dog, you’ll be her friend. But your dog will be her best friend.

    Our dancing queen. She has been part of a dance group for several years now, and she takes it very seriously. Every day, right after lunch, she plays her Cheetah girls songs and practices her solo dance. Amanda’s got the moves. In a crowd, she’s sometimes timid and unsure, but when her dancing starts, she’s more confident than ever.

    Beauty. Her smile wrinkles, her happy grin, her perfect curls, her precious freckles, those hazel eyes. Beyond her sweet and lovely face, she radiates a beauty unlike any other. It is a beauty that comes from her Maker. God shaped and fashioned her exactly as he wished. Her love for others, sensitive spirit, and curiosity are evidence of God himself. She is fun, sweet, goofy, and sometimes stubborn (more a badge of honor for our family than anything else). We love Amanda, and anyone who knows her would say the same.

    Today, I encourage all who would read this to cherish those with Down Syndrome with all the love and value every human life deserves. Amanda, and anyone else like her, is a treasure, not an inconvenience, a person of dignity, not of devaluing.

    I give praise to God for the creativity and uniqueness he gives to every human, and today especially all the beauty and grace in the lives of those with Down Syndrome.

  • Down Syndrome Awareness Month: About Amanda

    October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and if you know me, you know why I care about this month.

    Because if you know me, you know Amanda.

    Over the next few weeks, I will share stories, encouragements, and exhortations fueled by my love and care for those with Down Syndrome. Before I start that, though, I want to give you the why.

    My sister, Amanda, is three years younger than me, and she has Down Syndrome. Through my forthcoming posts, I’ll weave her in often because any knowledge, passion, or experience I have related to Down Syndrome is entirely because of her existence.

    Today, I just want to tell you about her, primarily because she’s awesome. If you ever get the chance, you should be her friend.

    First, Amanda has the best laugh in the world. She will start with a higher pitched giggle if she thinks you’re amusing. But then, if the circumstances are extra funny, her laugh will evolve into an uncontrollable cackle. Her whole body is involved when you really get her going, and it is a joy to watch her laugh.

    She also enjoys the most simple things in life. Coloring books, writing stories in journals, reading fiction, watching movies (especially ones with superheroes), music, Starbucks, pizza, cheeseburgers, and ice cream. She isn’t difficult to please, and when you do any of these things with her, she won’t forget it.

    Amanda loves people. I mean really loves them. If you are nice or take an interest in her, she will be a most loyal friend. Every time I talk to her, she asks how my friends are doing, and eventually they become her friends too. Do you need a friend who will always be excited to see you? Amanda is your girl.

    She is the most consistently encouraging person that I know. Every time I take a trip, post an article, or share anything on social media, Amanda is there to tell me that she likes the picture, my trip looked so cool, or that I did great writing an article. She will tell you how cute your baby is, how beautiful she thinks you are, and how everything you do is awesome! Boundless and consistent encouragement – no one I know is better at it!

    I could spend all day telling you all the reasons she’s wonderful, so I’ll cut myself off for now.

    The most important thing you need to know about Amanda, though, is this:

    She is a child of God, a daughter of the Most High, created in His image.

    She is a person, and that makes her worthy of love.

    This is what her name means, and this is who she is.

    Amanda is worthy of love.