Once a month a group of local families raising children born with Down syndrome get together on a Sunday afternoon for what we call “Rockin’ 21.” We rotate between a few different houses and this month it was our turn to host! (If you’re interested in learning more here’s how the they got started.)
That’s our boy….! 
It’s a ton of fun getting together as a group each month just to see how everyone is doing and have a little fun. I especially like the fact that Noah and his friends have a group of peers that they can get to know and journey through life with. In addition these get togethers are a great opportunity for parents to build friendships with other parents….so that’s a huge win! I think this is especially helpful for other dads. My wife goes to a weekly mommy and me class with other moms that’s put on by our local Down Syndrome Guild. This is a great way for moms to get to know each other and build friendships, but not so much for dads.
There is, however, a bi-weekly happy hour for dads to get through the Guild also but to be honest I’ve never gone (nor met any local dads who have.) However, I’ve been greatly encouraged by the number of supportive dads / husbands that come each month. I’ve gotten to build some friendships with some other dads through these Rockin’ 21 parties, and that’s been a ton of fun! It’s fantastic to see so many supportive fathers step up and love the heck out of their kids!
He wants that bow so bad…
As you can tell by the pictures and video it’s little crazy with 40 or so people hanging out in your home, many of whom are toddlers. But, it’s all worth it. And especially great for parents of younger children many of whom are nervous andfearful of whats ahead, to see other kids are just a little further along in this journey. We laugh together, cry together, play together, but most importantly love our children together.
It’s a blessing to call these families our friend.
(Oh and by the way, children born with Down syndrome aren’t angels.) 
“Was it something I said?”
Do you have any local play groups or get togethers? What are some ways you’ve gotten to know other families raising children with Down syndrome?
About Rick Smith
Hi, just wanted to say, I liked this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!
Our group has play dates about every other month usually out and about in town, like the park or the gymnastics place. The kids love to play and the parents love to build friendships. When I was “new” to the group it provided so much strength and normalcy to my family.
We live in the Dallas area and have a son with down syndrome who just turned 4. We would love to come to your get-togethers if you have room for another family.
Thank you.
How did you get this group together? Looks like a fun thing to try to get going in my neck of the woods.
Dear friends, my heart gets overjoyed when I see your pictures in Facebook. Now I entered in your page on the beautiful reunion you guys put together every month. As a parent and now grandparent I am very proud of your devotion and strength. I am sure that many of you were confronted with the decision of terminating the pregnancy because that is how our society see things. If it is going to be difficult, why even bother. I am sure that all of you are going against all odds and making your children strive with great success. It might be slower at times but you will get it done. Your are earning your many crowns here on earth, for when you get to heaven. You are all brave and determined to move forward and make this your best experience ever. You children are not different and God gave them to you because He knew how special you guys are. Very proud of how you all have managed this and how you have given these beautiful boys and girls the opportunity to have been born and live a very normal life, and be immensely loved and cared for. Many Many Many Blessings from the bottom of my heart. Your admirer.
P.S. When you decide to take another Epic road Trip, this time heading SouthEast , you know you can come to our house. There is a family in Miramar, Florida that can’t wait to meet you, your wife, the baby and precious NOAH.
I know it can be a little overwhelming sometimes but I commend you for being so active and a great dad to Noah. Noah is truly blessed to have yoy both as his parents. Continue to educate and inform those who may have children with down syndrome because it truly makes a world of difference to know that you are not alone on this journey….