Down Syndrome Day ...and my Sister

This is a video I have done on the back of Down Syndrome Day - I couldn't do it on the day itself, but still wanted to do it.
So here is me talking about my experience, my sister and advice for anyone who hasn't experienced it before.
(My sister also has autism but I don't talk about that in the video....)
Happy Down Syndrome Day!
Thanks for watching!

[@readandre-read]

Your sister is lovely and so is this video! In my prior career as a school librarian we had some runners. One kid was so swift they had to install alarms on all the doors so we wouldn't lose him! Thanks for sharing about your family and the great advice.

[@BookishChas]

This was really special Gareth. Thank you for sharing. I had a classmate who had Down-syndrome. He was such a sweet soul.

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

Beautiful video, Gareth. Your sister is lovely, and you’re lucky to have one another. Thank you for making this video.

[@sandyhudson8625]

Really enjoyed this Gareth, working with adults living with Downs Syndrome, I can add one thing that one of the people I support said this week: Why are those kids staring at me, my parents taught me not to stare? Maybe I should say to the Mum they can look at me but not stare cos it makes me feel uncomfortable.
Servers and retail staff almost always ask me what she wants, even if she has her purse in her hand. I try to stand as far away so they are more likely to ask her rather than me.
Kiaya is so fun to be around, even if she does need constant eyes on her to see what she is up to next. I love how she is such a groupie and loves all the lead singers of the bands she sees and wants to marry them lol

[@fiberartsyreads]

You know I loved this! Happy WDSD to you all.

[@M-J]

Gareth, this was beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us. 🤗

[@GrammaticusBooks]

Thanks for sharing this Gareth, wishing you and your sister the best!

[@NP-Hunt]

Very well explained, and that was a very touching montage at the end to go with your beautiful song.

[@gingerbibliophile]

This was very sweet and lovely. Your sister sounds like an amazing individual!

[@Cobaltdragon]

Beautiful video about a beautiful woman. Great to share this information.

[@RaynorReadsStuff]

Oh my god she’s gorgeous 😊. I have two Down’s Syndrome brothers. One was adopted when I was 11 and he was three. My other brother is two years younger than me. Ha. My elder brother was a runner too. I learned a good rugby tackle early in life. My brothers love Les Mis. Great video Gareth 😊

[@bookssongsandothermagic]

haha Rugby tackle made me laugh - thanks for the comment I'm sure you could relate to some of this. Thanks Raynor.

[@allgirlreview433]

Lovely. Thank you for letting me get to know Claire.

[@BookBlather]

Wonderful video. I can speak to this a bit, and have to say, you said it all perfectly.

[@davidnovakreadspoetry]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been fortunate to have known in a professional capacity a number of people with a Down syndrome diagnosis - that your sister has a loving and supportive family is a blessing.

[@DanielsBibliophagy]

"He's dead!" That's adorable

[@spreadbookjoy]

She sounds like an amazing , delightful woman. Thanks for sharing, Gareth!

[@MIDDLEoftheBookMARCH]

Excellent video. Looks like you have a very loving family with an awesome sister! 😊❤

[@bookssongsandothermagic]

Thanks Kim. Yeah, absolutely.

[@stenmaulsby5924]

This was beautiful. And she's beautiful. You were able to let me see her beauty without any sugar-coating of the hard parts.

[@bookssongsandothermagic]

thanks - yeah there's no need to just stress the good stuff.

[@bighardbooks770]

Great video. I'd like to get involved in Special Olympics etc 🎉

[@books_and_bocadillos]

🫶🏽