When my son Easton and daughter London look at their sister Josie, they don’t see her diagnosis. They don’t see a disability. They see their little sister. Frankly, they often seem to like her better than they like each other.

Josie has Down syndrome, and we are all better off because she is who she is, exactly as she is. My children are better siblings because of her. They’re eager caretakers. They slow down if she needs help. They make sure she is safe and happy. I’m a better parent because of her. She has taught me lessons in joy, patience, and understanding that nobody else could have.