The Convention

The National Down Syndrome Congress annual convention was held in Boston last summer. It was the first time in more than 20 years that it had been in Boston. Since we are only a 30 minute drive from Boston, and since it would probably be a long time until the convention was here again, I decided to go. By this time, my tears were gone and had been replaced with a complete and overwhelming love for my new baby. I was ready to learn as much as I could about how to best help Brennan meet his potential and knew that attending the convention was a great opportunity for both of us. At three months old, Brennan was one of the youngest babies there. So many parents ooo-ed and aahh-ed at him and many even asked to hold him. I'm sure he reminded so many of the parents of their kids when they were babies. It was so sweet. The convention was three days long and filled with workshops conducted by experts in various areas related to Down syndrome. The people who wrote all of the books I had been reading the past three months were there. I learned more than I had even hoped to learn that weekend. There were kids of all ages - babies, toddlers, up through teenagers and adults. There was a wide range of abilities among the people that I met, but I felt so proud of each and every one of them. I knew the amount of work and dedication it took for them to be where they were and I was full of pride and admiration. The only tears I shed that weekend were on my drive home after the last day of the convention. I had felt so at home, so full of love, so full of joy during the past three day.....surrounded by an amazing group of people who all share an extra chromosome. I feel so fortunate that the convention just happened to be held here last summer - otherwise, I don't know if I ever would have travelled to another part of the country to attend. But, after having attended once, I plan to make it an annual trip for me and my little man.