Two weeks ago today our first grandchild was born. Annabelle Ruth Tuss arrived at 8:29 am on Feb. 20. She was 19 inches long and weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. She's adorable and her parents could not be happier! Caroline was influenced so much by her Uncle Mark that she decided to teach special education. She now is the resource coordinator for middle school special education in Fairfax, Virginia. She will return to that position after maternity leave.

As I held our little treasure, I could not help but think of my mother when she first held Mark. Although he had a developmental disability, she didn't even see that---she just loved him as much as she did all of her babes.

I wondered, if Annabelle had been born with Down syndrome, could I have treated her the same? I can answer with a resounding YES! Who do I have to thank for this positive attitude? Mark! Living with my brother helped me appreciate the unexpected benefits of living with someone with Down syndrome---those benefits byfar outweigh the negative issues.

Thanks, Mark, I know you are smiling down on us during this joyous time.