You know what didn’t cross my mind in those hours after my son was born and nurses spoke in hushed tones while a social service worker hovered outside my hospital room…when certain family members chose to scoff at certain other family member’s expression of love over doom?
The United Nations.
On June 20th, 1990, I did not once think of the UN. And yet, yesterday I received an email from Down Syndrome International inviting Marcus and I to speak at World Down Syndrome Day at the United Nations. The. United. F*ing. Nations.
#WDSD17
This year’s #WDSD theme is #MyVoiceMyCommunity
This year’s #WDSD theme is #MyVoiceMyCommunity Click To Tweet
Of Course, Marcus must be there. He is such a great example of expression. And also finding the expression that suits him. That is him. He is an example that shows that “voice” doesn’t always literally mean – “The words I say to you right now” – his voice, like the voices of so many of our community, is as unique as it is valid.
This is important, people!
This was Marcus’ idea. He said he wanted to do this, and now we are, and I’m so proud of him.

This. Guy.
I’m so full of feels. I want to just yell, “In your face!” to the people who didn’t believe in Marcus, who tossed possibility aside and pre-determined what borders he would never cross , who chose to ask, “How is he testing?” over “What are his strengths?” Who walled him out instead of inviting him in.
I’m so excited/nervous/excited/hopeful. I’m especially hopeful that neither of us throw up while on live webcam, which *You* will be able to watch on March 21st: live webcam info. Full event details forthcoming. For now, just forgive me while I metaphorically point in the faces of the people, long gone from our lives, who never believed in this sort of possibility. (Those naysayers are still on my shoulder reminding me, it’s not the general assembly Marcus and I are addressing…it’s just “in the building.” To them I say – “How many times have you been asked to speak to people from around the world, ‘just in the UN building?’ Ps. In your face!”)
SO, enough about me,
Here’s Marcus:
Oh, and you’ll have noticed this is big announcement #1. That’s right. There’s MORE coming…
OMG screaming all the happy happy feels for you and Marcus! How wonderful!!
I know – Amazing, right?! Thank you 🙂
Well done Marcus. Mardra, the two of you are the most extraordinary team I have ever encountered. Keep on going. God is good!
Thanks Sean!
This is THE COOLEST thing ever! Go Marcus! AFLAC!!!!!!!
SparkyDude! You are Completely Awesome! Congrats!
Love to both of you. God chose a very amazing child for our family. Guess he already knew about the amazing mother!!! So very proud and happy for you two and Quinn as well!!!
CONGRATULATIONS yes, all in caps 🙂
Glad you guys are so good because apparently I cannot spell my name!!! I’m going to blame the drugs. Thanks for the surgery prayers!
Ha! Yeah, that typing in recovery isn’t as easy as it looks!
Holy Batman, Friend!!! You’d mentioned this when we met (OMG I GOT TO MEET YOU AND MARCUS) and although I *knew* you’d get there, I didn’t really know because wow, and so wonderful. Huge love to you guys, and huge congratulations. xooxo I’m SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW I’m dancing at my keyboard.