We are one year old today!
On the 24th of November 2011, I wrote my very first post Blank Blog Blindness. Afraid of who would criticise, certain no-one would read it and unsure of the form the blog would take, I nervously sent my personal thoughts anonymously into the ether.
A year on and we have come so very far!
It's been an organic journey that has taken us by the hand. It's been cathartic. The people we have met, the inspirational stories we have heard, the teams we are now a part of amaze me. Downs Side Up took on its own persona.
The ups, the downs, the trolls, the media, the TV, the children, the nominations, the awards, the competitions, learning about Facebook and Twitter and far too many social media networks to keep up with, doing radio interviews at 30 minutes notice, a snog with Dr Hilary Jones and Natty breakdancing with dance troop Flawless. But mainly the doors that have opened, the minds that have been enlightened, the families that have been inspired, the support network I am proud to have become a part of.
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| Public speaking, cover girl, national press, Daybreak, Dr Hilary, modelling, Flawless. |
In truth Downs Side Up has taken on a life of its own, become a full time (very much unpaid) job, a labour of love if you like. Spokes eminate from its core; public speaking, modelling, writing articles, but all with one aim... to gently change perceptions of Down's Syndrome from within hearts.
To celebrate I have decided to make a little video of my most popular post (by a long shot) for those of you who haven't met me. You know, the post I read at Britmums Live and had 500 writers and publishers in tears ;) Yes, that one. What to Say When a Baby is Born with Down's Syndrome. Read the post with additional links to support groups here.
I attach a few of the high moments of the year, and end by saying the biggest thank you to you all, for helping me to spread awareness, to educate and support, to include and love. Together we are a strong, formidable force to be reckoned with.
Here's to the year ahead. We're not sure where we are going, but we have a long way to go. I am so glad to have you along for the journey x
