‘Luca, You Are Perfect To Us’: Maltese Mum Sends Heartwarming Message On World Down Syndrome Day
A local mother, whose son was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth, has issued an impassioned message to her son and the public as a commemoration of World Down Syndrome day.
Writing on social media, Annalise Ellul, marked 21st March as World Down Syndrome Day, uploading a sweet photo with her son Luca, which garnered hundreds of reactions within hours.
Speaking with Lovin Malta, Annalise also expressed that she is worried and anxious every day, to see how her son will be welcomed into society – and hence believes more awareness is needed.
“We started celebrating this day 15 years ago because our precious Luca was born 15 years from this month. Unfortunately, we didn’t know about this awareness day before we had Luca,” Annalise wrote.
“So here I am once again reminding everyone even those not affected by any family members with Down Syndrome to celebrate this day with us.”
“Let’s celebrate diversity, individuality, and the beautiful things in all the people around us even if they are ‘different’. Yet I ask myself a question every time I use the word ‘different’, are we all the same? If we were, the world would be such a boring place,” she said.
She proceeded to share her thoughts as a mother of a young gentleman with Down Syndrome, expressing her multitude of emotions.
“When he was young I was never worried about society because they always viewed him as an ‘angel’ (which I don’t like) or a ‘blessing’ (which I don’t like either). But I’m not here to moan about what I like or don’t like.”
“I’m here to share how worried I am about how society will view and treat my son when he becomes a man.”
“Will they still say how cute he is when he misbehaves in public? This is a lifelong journey for us as a family. Once you think you’ve seen it all you encounter another obstacle and are faced with new challenges.”
“We love our boy no matter what his diagnosis was at birth. He’s still our Luca and nothing or nobody will ever change our love for him. Luca, you are perfect for us. And you will always be. Love, your Mamsi (as he cheekily calls me),” she said.
Do you think more awareness on Down Syndrome is needed in Malta?
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