The Boy Who Wears Red Shoes
By Rachael Moore
17 July 2008
Michael is 7 year old boy living with Down's Syndrome. I am Michael's educational assistant. He has brought tremendous joy to my life. I have had the wonderful opportunity to watch him grow academically and socially, and watch how his life touches others. Parents, teachers, and children take great delight in Michael. Though, the greatest blessing I get to see is how the children react to him. He has made many friends with the children in his class as well as many other children at the school. I have seen judging glances fade into accepting smiles because of Michael's joy. One can not help but to fall in love with him the second he smiles and begins to speak. His best friend has been a wonderful example of loving unconditionally for the other children. He speaks kindly to him, enjoys his company, and gently takes him by the hand and guides him throughout his days. The children love Michael. But what makes Michael's life so beautiful is the love he has for it despite his own circumstances. He is the most loving child I have ever met. He greets each day with a smile and lets his joy shine about. He invites every child over to play, gives many hugs, and loves each person despite their thoughts of feelings about him. Michael loves for the sake of loving. He knows nothing else but love. I named this "The Boy Who Wears Red Shoes" because to me, that is his identifiable mark. He always wears his red shoes. In these red shoes he has taken many steps. His steps maybe unsteady but they are truly huge leaps. He has overcome so much in his short 7 years.
Down Syndrome effects one in every 800 babies born in the United States. Many Down Syndrome individuals go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives. October is Down Syndrome awareness month. To find out more about Down Syndrome visit the National Association for Down Syndrome website, http://www.nads.org/ .
