“I was born in the year of 1964, my doctors told my mom and dad -Don’t include Mark in your family.”
Oh my heart you guys. The thought that just 50 years ago, someone may have told me not to bring my daughter home from the hospital- because she has Down syndrome- breaks my heart. The thought that her worth and value was not -and sometimes still is not- seen just because she may be a little “different.” This is a HUGE driving force behind what I do and why I am so passionate about showing the world just how cool and capable the Ruby’s and the Mark’s of the world are. Mark embodies everything that we stand for and believe over here at Ruby’s Rainbow. We are ALL life-long learners and deserve the opportunity to continue to grow and go for our dreams. I got the INCREDIBLE honor to personally give Mark the “Laura Lee National Advocacy Award” and watch a room spring to their feet with a standing ovation after his speech. And to think- his parents were told not to include him because they just were not aware of their capabilities. He has worked and lived on his own for over 20 years, paid his own bills and continues to travel around speaking about how important opportunity is for people with disabilities.
Today is the day, ya’ll. Today is the day we come together and say “WE BELIEVE IN YOU!” Today we say that “WE VALUE YOU”, “YOU ARE WORTHY”.