buddy walk

Saturday was the annual Buddy Walk. This is the 4th one that our family has attended. It seemed like there were so many more people there this year than the last time I went and it was fabulous. It's nice to be among so many people who also know and love someone with Down syndrome.

Those that came to walk with us were Faith's family, our friends the Williams, and Austin & Amber (cousins). We appreciate more than I can put into words those that support us and Gabriel, whether it be by coming to the walk or donating online through our team "Gabriel's Gang".

This year Gabriel did most of his own walking. When he decided he'd done enough, he just stood in front of me and stopped so I could pick him up. Of course, they call it a "walk", but it's really more of a very...slow... stroll. Many people have posters or banners and have matching t-shirts for their whole team. Each year I have a new resolve to get together a big team and have really great matching t-shirts. As usual, next year is THE year!.... so plan accordingly. :)

The first year we went, Gabriel was just shy of 2 months old and I remember being apprehensive about seeing all the children and teens there with Down syndrome. This world with disabilities was still so new and I'm not sure I was completely over being a tad bit sad about our future that held so much of the unknown. In contrast, this year those faces with Down syndrome didn't seem so different to me and so obvious. I saw only beautiful children being celebrated and having a great time with people who love them. I guess that's what having a Buddy Walk is all about.

There were many activities there for all the kids to do. There were bounce houses, a rock wall, carnival style games, music, booths, and a raffle. Gabriel had the most fun, though, in the troughs of ice that held bottled water - he couldn't get enough.

I love this picture. A little background: Gabriel tries to hug everyone, usually his cousins. This is fine, but kids, particularly the littler ones, don't seem to warm to the idea very quickly - if at all. High fives and knuckles are usually a good substitute. While waiting in line for a bounce house, we met Brianna. She and her mommy were wearing cute "Brianna's Bunch" team shirts with her darling picture on it. She wanted to hug Gabriel, so I put him down and they hugged to their hearts content! Gabriel had found his "hug match". After the hug-fest they went in to high fives and knuckles!

This is us with Gina, the president of Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona. She was one of our first visitors at the hospital after Gabriel was born that came with a smile on her face and congratulations. It was such an emotional time for us and I will forever be grateful to her for taking time to come share her experience and love with a couple of strangers. Although I didn't fully understand at the time, she gave me my first glimpse into seeing that there were so many positive and good days ahead for our family.