THE LILLI SERIES 3/5: Jeremy, Dad

We were really scared when we learned Lilli would be born with Down syndrome. We had no idea what we were in for. It wasn’t long after she was born when her personality started to surface, adventurous and funny right out of the gate. As a baby, she loved when I’d throw her high in the air and catch her. It was the best thing in the world for her. As a toddler, she was the first of her cousins to learn to put her face in the pool. She’d spend hours jumping in the deep end of the pool over and over. I’m always amazed at how fast she can go on her scooter. And she’s the best person to ride a roller coaster with, you can feel her joy and her hysterical laughter is contagious. A couple of years ago at the beach, I taught her how to bodyboard. She picked it up fast and was relentless with the “again, again, again!” When we first get out to the beach, she’ll take off towards the waves and we’re running after her before we’ve even put towels down. She’ll spend hours out there riding waves. And no matter how many times she gets knocked under or thrown around, she’s quick to get right back out there on the board for more. That’s just how she is. She loves fun and adventure and will never shy away from a good wave or a fast scooter. She has taught me patience, understanding, and humbleness but also to enjoy the adventure. I can’t get enough of this girl!

#TheLuckyFew #TheLuckyFewFoundation #DownSyndrome #ThisIsDownSyndrome