Happy October 1! I love this day and this season. It’s not my birthday month, but the joy that fills me makes it as if it were so. It marks the true beginning of autumn as well the season of gratitude and Thanksgiving. The weather (usually) takes the hint from the calendar that it’s time to cool down as God shows off his ability to turn the greenest leaves the most beautiful, warmest hues. This time of year causes me to reminince over my favorite childhood memories. Apple picking, Halloween (HA-double L-OW-double E-N) parades, Krupski’s farm for pumpkin picking and hay rides, and my Ma’s homemade apple sauce. It also reminds me of the things I love about fall as an adult. Trips to Charleston, football season, tailgating, a good Octoberfest beer, and baking pumpkin everything.

However, for the past two years October has taken on a whole new meaning for me and one I hold closer to my heart than any Tennessee win or Macintosh apple. On September 28, 1984, thirty-four years ago this month, President Ronald Reagan signed a resolution proclaiming October as National Down Syndrome Month. Thirty-two years later on this day we brought our Luke home from the hospital when just less than a week before it was confirmed he was created with a little extra to love on his 21st chromosome. So the month of October is a little more special to me now. During the month of October, we celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of our Luke and other individuals with Down syndrome as well as educate others regarding misconceptions about Ds! Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 🦁💙💛 #lukethelion #nothingdownaboutit #theluckyfew #takingthescenicroute #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L.M. Montgomery