For the past two years, I have helped with a local event, “Songs from the Heart”. Arc’s Aktion Club and Fountainbleau Families Foundation have put on this fundraising event which helps support individuals with disabilities – physical and mental. The highlight of the event is the Karaoke contest. It is so heartwarming to see these special people so excited to sing their hearts out! Some of them cannot speak, they can only hum into the microphone. It is probably the only karaoke contest which started with the song “Silent Night” and ended with “Let’s Get It On”! I’ve seen a woman struggling to get the words out and a group of her friends gather around her and start singing with her and for her…
One cannot help but fall in love with these men and women. They are all smiles and hugs. Life has dealt them a huge challenge, and they have embraced their life and challenges.
Down Syndrome has been a hot topic recently. Down syndrome babies are born with an extra chromosome. It is not hereditary and there is no known cause. Statistics show that 1 in every 690 babies in the US are born with Down Syndrome. These babies can be diagnosed prenatally today at about 10 to 12 weeks. Sadly, 90% of mothers receiving the diagnosis choose to abort their baby.
These babies were chosen by God to walk a special journey. The journey of their life affects so many people in a positive way. Talking to family members of individuals with disabilities one learns that it is the family who feel blessed and inspired in the care for these persons. By denying these babies the life God gave them, we are depriving the world of so many smiles, hugs and songs from the heart!
We all have a special journey we will face in our lives. We all have challenges and heartaches. We have to trust in our Lord and follow those paths and face those challenges.
This is Beau. He is battling a muscle disease and has already lived past his life projection. He loves singing and spends his free time entering Karaoke contests. He feels that he has a very blessed life. He loves his family, friends, and passion of singing. His attitude and songs are an inspiration to many people.
If you or anyone you know is pregnant with a child with a disability, I encourage you to get educated about the disability and spend time with people with disabilities. Don’t give a child a death sentence because the of the journey God has given them. It is a journey you will want to share in – a journey God has chosen for you as well.
And this Christmas, sing “Silent Night”….loudly and from the heart!
C’est Bon
Love,
Sherry
Proud Catholic 