Get the tissues out. One Dad has a message for the world about people with Down Syndrome. Robb Scott’s son, Turner, has Down Syndrome and he says it’s been one of the greatest joys of his life.
But not everyone understands the condition. In a store recently, Scott heard a man trying to explain Down Syndrome to his little boy, saying it was an “illness.” When Scott overheard what he thought was a misleading definition, he wanted to say something — but never did.
After leaving the store, he couldn’t stop thinking about the exchange. He wanted to make sure people like the man and his son weren’t confused about Down Syndrome, as so many people are. While he didn’t go back and track them down, he decide to do something even more powerful. He recorded a video describing his experience with Down Syndrome, and it’s now been seen over 23 million times, after being shared by actor Ashton Kutcher.
Scott said:
“Down Syndrome is literally one of the most beautiful things that’s ever happened in my life. It’s fun. It’s brilliant, it’s amazing, it’s funny, it’s kind, it’s loving, it’s cuddly…they’re great teachers people with Down Syndrome. It’s not an illness. It’s not even a disability…”
He said he’s learned from his son that disabilities are “perception” more than anything else — and says that people withe Down Syndrome have much to teach the world.
“Down Syndrome is the best thing that ever happened to me,” concludes Scott, adding that he just wanted to make sure he got the message out there, despite failing to say something to the man in the store.
It’s clear from Scott’s heartfelt message — and so many others we’ve seen recently from those who live with Down Syndrome or love those who do — that it’s time to value these lives. It’s time to end the sky high abortion rates on Down Syndrome diagnosis and recognize that ALL life is valuable and people with Down Syndrome only contribute to making the world more beautiful.
Thank you for your beautiful message, sir.
https://www.facebook.com/Ashton/videos/10154552565877820/