March 21, a rather insignificant day to most, but not to me. Today is World Down Syndrome Day and for the last 15 years, it has brought me joy, introduced me to many new friends, and revealed the true love that lies in people’s hearts.

Every year I write about this recognition day and my granddaughter Maddox McClintic, now age 15, as she was born with Down syndrome. She has blossomed into a remarkable teenager overcoming every single challenge she has faced in what you and I would call a difficult journey. But this year I have another story to tell, one that began 45 years ago.

My wife Josie was seven months pregnant when the St. Louis company I worked for transferred me to Michigan. We settled in East Lansing. Two months later, baby daughter Jamie made her debut. The birth went as planned, everyone was healthy, and we were blessed with the perfect daughter we always dreamed about.

Several years passed and little Jamie was well into her “terrible-twos”, pretty much ignoring whatever we said to her. She was full of spunk and spirit and a mind of her own. As she turned 3 we couldn’t help but notice that her speech was not developing as it should. We mentioned that to her doctor at a regular visit. He performed a few simple tests and turned to us and said, “This child can’t hear.” Imagine the shock.

Fortunately for us, we lived just blocks away from Michigan State University which had an amazing audiology department. Day after day we would take Jamie to Michigan State University for testing. We will never forget the day she was fitted with powerful hearing aids. As we walked outside it was raining. Jamie had never heard the rain, at first looking puzzled by it all. Then you should have seen her face when she heard the sound of a robin chirping.

Jamie continued to go to MSU several times a week because they had asked if they could “use” her so they could better learn out to detect hearing loss in infants. Then, at age 5, she was denied public school because of her disability and poor speech. We fought for her inclusion and finally, the school relented and said they would allow her to attend. Making up for the loss of hearing, we watched an indomitable spirit take over as Jamie showed a remarkable ability to learn. Following years of speech therapy that also included simple sign language and lip-reading, that spirit and determination carried her to heights we could never imagine. One of our proudest moments came as we sat in the audience and watched her accept her Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree from Creighton University. It was at that point she dedicated her life and career to working with disabled children.

Just as we advocated for our daughter, Jamie advocates for her Maddox, and literally hundreds of other children with disabilities who need those same accommodations and modifications to maximize their learning abilities. And, she doesn’t do this alone. The Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District has a staff of highly trained therapists who work daily with children who have special needs. And I can tell you firsthand the amazing and positive difference they make to the lives of these young people.

So yes, today is March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, a day set aside for all of us to recognize those who have that extra 21st chromosome. Those chromosomes look like colorful socks, which is why we wear mismatched and crazy socks on this special day.

But we also need to recognize all the caregivers too, from the parents, to the doctors, the therapists, the teachers, and mostly to the loving people who see the beauty in everyone just as Maddox does. I strive to see the world as Maddox does. She sees the good in everybody and everything. She has the world figured out much better than we ever will.

With Maddox’s Down syndrome, it’s not easy for her, nor has it been. Her first day of life she gasped to pull air into those tiny lungs. Two small holes in her heart put into question whether she would make it through her first day. This newborn peanut of a little girl fought like a warrior and made it through her first night and into the morning. As each hour passed, it became clear this precious little girl was a fighter.

Now 15 years old, Maddox is remarkable, and I know why, if genetics have anything to do with it. Maddox’s mother Jamie, who struggled herself and succeeded with the help of so many, brought out the strength and spirit to overcome her disability and now she has passed on that same spirit and determination to her daughter.

So yes, World Down Syndrome Day is a big deal to us. We wear the different colored socks so when people ask, we have reason to tell our story. It’s a day we can raise awareness for those who have the “extra 21.” They are very special people with very special needs, none greater than the need to be loved.

Join us, won’t you? Dig through your sock drawer and have a little fun today, especially if you know someone with Down syndrome. They deserve the love they so freely give to all of us.

Please let me know if a disabled child has made an impact on your life at gregawtry@awtry.com and feel free to post a picture of your crazy socks on my Facebook page facebook.com/greg.awtry.1