I've seen Deedah, have you?

It seems to be the latest buzz in the Down syndrome community. If you don't know about it, check out this trailer:



I ordered the DVD about a week ago and it came in today's mail. I couldn't wait to watch it. It's a short documentary about a six-year-old boy named Jonathan who has Down syndrome, narrated by his seven-year-old sister, Charlotte, nicknamed "Deedah" by her brother. The trailer got me all choked up, so I figured the actual movie would, and it did. Seeing the honest love between this brother and sister is very moving, and it did remind me very much of how much Finn's siblings adore him, and accept him without reservation. Deedah is very sweet and moving, and anyone who doesn't just fall in love with both of these kids clearly has no heart.

The back cover of the DVD says:

"Deedah" is about a wonderful relationship between a brother and a sister, but it's also about letting go of what you think you know, opening your eyes to others and embracing what makes everyone special."

That really sums it up; what a wonderful, yet simple, goal that we all should strive for.

I think the orders for this DVD are probably pouring in from families of children with Ds, and I think that's great. It shows that life with a child with Ds is not terrible or scary - it's just life. But what I'd really like to see is other people ordering and watching this DVD and passing it along to other people. Everyone needs to get a glimpse into this family's life and see that being different is okay, and that everyone has gifts to offer and is worthy of respect and acceptance.