Conquer Fear

I saw a post on a social networking sight

that said,

 

"Kindly modify your behavior and stop staring,

Down syndrome isn't a choice."

 

I'm not going to tackle the

"isn't a choice" statement,

because for us it was.

 

What I want to say is this...

...don't stop staring...

but if you're curious,

conquer your fear and

ask your questions.

 

In my experience,

people stare because they are curious,

but are too afraid to approach

and ask questions.

People stand back and don't

engage, because they are afraid.

This is across the board,

and not limited to disability, it

encompasses cultures and races too.

 

When a member of your family has

Down syndrome, you are

admitted to an exclusive club.

You are bonded to others who live with

Down syndrome.

Smiles are exchanged,

you have something in common to

talk about....and you make new

friends because of your shared experience.

Others don't have that bond

and when they stare ~ it's generally fear that holds them back.

 

Be tolerant of those who stare,

they are just afraid.

Smile.

Engage them.

Ask them questions, and allow them

to ask their questions.

 

Fear goes both ways.

We see people stare and think the worst of them,

we are afraid to engage them.

They are afraid to ask questions,

but they stare because they are curious.

 

Down syndrome

may or may not be a choice,

but fear is...

Choose to conquer fear.