31 for 21: What Do You See?

The definition of perception:

Noun The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses. The state of being or process of becoming aware of something in such a way.

Perception is like an opinion.  Everyone has one and they can all be different.  Some times that can be a good thing....other times, it is not.

For instance, what does this picture mean to you?

For some people, it is a sign for a state they have never visited or have no desire to visit.  Many don't understand why it is considered the Midwest, when it is neither in the middle or the west of the United States.  I, on the other hand, see something entirely different.  When I saw this sign yesterda, I became giddy.  After traveling almost 7 hours total in the car with my two youngest children, it meant I was almost home.  I didn't have to listen much longer to my middle child ask again, "how much longer?" Or listen to him yell that he "just wants to be home!"


Let's try another.  What do you see here?

Do you see a tree on the verge of  losing its leaves to prepare for the long, cold winter?  Or do you see the beautiful shades of color that Mother Nature so proudly displays this time of year?


Lastly, what do you see here?

Do you see a toddler with a disability?  Do you only see the small facial features, slanted eyes, and lack of nasal bone?  Or do you see what I see?   A beautiful, smart, fascinating toddler?

That is what Down syndrome awareness mean to me.  I want people to look beyond the physical characteristics....the misconceptions.  There is so much more to people with Down syndrome.  I hope I have changed at least one person's perception.  That is how the world changes.....one person at a time!