False Success: Good or Bad?

I recently heard the story of Ike Ditzenberger, who has Down syndrome and scored a touch down in a high school football game. The detailed story includes an account of how the opposing team was under instructions to let him score and to try and make it as exciting for him as possible. I have very mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, that was a whole lot of people pulling together because they cared about this boy. They wanted him to have this amazing experience, essentially to make a dream come true for him. On the other hand, it was kind of a lie. And I wonder if this sort of false success undermines the cause of Down syndrome awareness. Individuals with DS are capable of so much without others just pretending that they have achieved something. I'm really conflicted. What are your thoughts?

And while you're thinking about it, check out this video of another high school athlete with DS: Kody Conover shoots a 3 pointer while playing basketball in Vernal, Utah. It's true that the other team defends him light, and in some moments, not at all. But my husband points out that in the case of a 3 pointer, you don't want to risk fouling and giving the shooter a chance at 3 free throws; better to risk the 3 point shot. So maybe the other team goes easy on him for strategic reasons and possibly because he has DS, but he makes that shot all on his own, and that is just amazing.

You've come a long way, Baby!

Mermaid continues to progress at a steady pace. She gives us all something to smile about.

Mermaid's words or word-like syllables:

mom*dad*baby*hi*bye*up*down*out*water*no

yeah*eat*help*dance*toes*shoes*teeth*nose

hair*cheese (for taking pictures)*Jesus*me*banana

ball*go*meow*woof-woof*night-night*okay*thank you

please*wash*pee-pee*belly-button*waa, waa, waa (baby crying)

push*uh-oh*two*what?*yes*ow*grandpa*me*star

Mermaid's signs include:

water*milk*more*go*me*star*boat*shoes*bird

Mermaid's skills include:

climbing up bunk bed ladders, walking upright ascending/descending stairs while holding to the railing, digging, turning lights on and off, climbing onto the dinner table, dancing, singing, moving chairs to climb up to whatever she's interested in, feeding herself with a spoon, thumbing through books, brushing hair, brushing teeth, hugging, comforting pats, twisting the tops of bottles and cups, stealing pacifiers, opening refrigerators, opening drawers and emptying all the contents onto the floor, greeting everyone with a smile, pat, five, handshake and/or kiss, simple puzzles, and other feats of strength and dexterity.

She is working on JuMpInG!!!