My daughter Sophie loves World Down Syndrome Day. She is accepted by her friends in the community. However, she also knows that she is different than other children. She recently turned nine. In the past, she did not seem to notice her differences very much. Now, she notices them more. Due to health issues and delays, she cannot do some things that other children can do. However, there are many things that she can do just as well as anyone else, like read. Unfortunately, her differences make some people feel that cannot do anything that other people do. This makes her sad. World Down Syndrome Day is a day that Sophie can celebrate her differences and embrace what she can do like everyone else. She has a spotlight on her and she takes full advantage of it. My wife and I do everything that we can do to advocate for Sophie and to give her a rewarding life. However, Sophie is the one that wins people over. It is sometimes difficult to get an opportunity for Sophie, but when we do, she takes full advantage of it. Sophie has the abilities of charm and self-promotion. She used them on World Down Syndrome Day. Sophie's teacher had put up signs announcing World Down Syndrome Day. Her principal made an announcement. We had bought her a 3:21 t-shirt to wear and made bookmarks for her to pass out. Sophie made sure to greet other children with Down syndrome so that they knew the day was also about them. Sophie excitedly made her rounds in the school handing out her bookmarks. Sophie took the opportunity to read signs and the bookmarks to people to prove that she could read. That evening, Sophie told us that she wanted to go out for pizza to celebrate. A friend owns a popular pizzeria near our house. Sophie greeted all the nearby tables and all the employees. Later that evening when Sophie got ready for bed, I asked her if she felt she spread awareness of Down syndrome today. She looked up at me with a big smile and said, "Yes!" We worry about Sophie's future opportunities, however Sophie is the most self-confident person I know. She lets us know that she will succeed in life.