Skyman
A Celebration of Life
Skylar Page was born with Down Syndrome, Trisomy 21. It wasn’t that he lacked anything. He actually had something extra from the so-called norm; an extra 21st chromosome. Over time it would become evident that his condition, a mystery of creation, would give him the ability to love others unconditionally.
“Skyman” is a story of his, and others like him, having this uniqueness. Hopefully, the rest of us that are lacking this extra chromosome will wonder if perhaps, just perhaps, they are the Creator’s intended norm.
Paradigm 3:21
Unconditional Love
The Trisomy 21 Story
Isn't it what everyone is looking for? Someone or something to love them unconditionally. Like babies do their mother, pets do those that feed them, service animals do for their owners and pretty much nothing else on Earth does.
Well, I have news for you. There is a unique part of humanity that does just that. They are often overlooked and shunned as being less than desirable. Some are considered damaged goods from birth or in the womb. Actually, they are not lacking anything, but have something extra. What is it?
Well, it seems small but it's big! It is an extra 21st chromosome. It is what allows these fortunate enough to have it to be able to love people unconditionally. Believe me, I try but can't. It's not tough for them, learned or basically impossible like it is for me and practically all of us so called "normal" people. It's innate and in their DNA. Hard wired so to speak.
Have you ever known someone with Down Syndrome? Have you ever tried to really get to know them? Have you ever thought your soon to be child might have Down Syndrome? Were you excited about it? The answer to those questions for most would probably be a big fat NO!
Have you ever longed to be loved unconditionally as you are? Have you ever loved a pet because it seemed to love you unconditionally? Have you loved a baby because of their innocence and seeming to love you unconditionally? The answers for most would be yes.
I am here to tell you that the best of all is to know and be around people with Down Syndrome. You will learn that they truly will love you unconditionally. They will have the same individual emotions and traits as everyone else except for having this one extra gift. Like raising any child there can be challenges but the rewards of having someone loving you unconditionally their whole life will far outweigh the difficulties. Instead of fearing a potential Down Syndrome. birth, families should long for it.
Humanity longs for freedom also. I understand the desire to be free and being able to make the best choices for my life. It's not a religious thing but innate or again in the DNA of most of us. Everyone has to make choices.
I have a dream for a paradigm shift, by choice, in regard to Down Syndrome. My dream is that humanity will change their general thinking and learn that this segment of society really is special. Where people strive to know them. Where couples hope for a Down Syndrome child. Where early testing creates hopeful expectancy rather than anxiety. Where having a Down Syndrome child is like winning the lottery, not a death sentence. Where, like Skyman, its really is a Celebration of Life.
Unconditional love is available. You just have to look for it in the right places. Getting to hear Skyman's story and getting to know others like him can be a good start. Please consider supporting and promoting the Paradigm 3:21 message.
Our Message
We often meet new parents of children with special needs, and in their eyes we see the same emotions that we once had: uncertainty, sadness, fear. We understand what it's like to be handed a diagnosis that changes everything. It can be a lot to handle. But our message to them is this: it's going to be great!
That's right! It's not just going to be "okay." You're not just going to just survive. You're going to thrive.
Every single day, Skyman brings fun, joy, and adventure to our lives in ways we could have never expected. Everyday we are thankful for the wonder and love that he has brought to our family. We wouldn't trade it for anything.
And in a world where convenience rules and difficult things are avoided, we want to spread the word. Raising a child with Down Syndrome (or other special needs) will be the most rewarding, fun, and important thing that you ever do.
About Skyman
Skylar Page, AKA Skyman, is a young man with a big heart, big dreams, and a HUGE personality. Wherever he goes, he brings fun, inspiration, and a huge helping of love for everyone. No wonder he makes so many friends! He loves watching NBA basketball, playing video games and Coca-Cola!
When Skylar came into our lives in 1995, we soon learned that he has Down Syndrome, and this news brought a lot of fear and uncertainty. But Skyman has subverted those fears, and has instead brought joy and adventure to our lives!
Sky Stories
When Skylar was young he had to be on steroids frequently. One time on a family vacation at Disney he was extremely hungry as a side effect of the steroids. He wanted to eat bread and butter non-stop. He had two bread and butter sandwiches packed and ate them very early in the day. When he asked for another he was told that was the last one. He replied, "That wasn't my last one, that was my second one." Then when he was told he only had two he said, "I hate two." The line has now become a favorite of the family.
Another family favorites saying is, "Where's Sky?" He is an expert at slipping away! One example of this was when the family was on a cruise. The family was just hanging out on the pool deck when someone said, "Where's Sky?" Next thing we see is a hairless chest on the stage dancing with all the old men in the hairy chest contest. Sky made his way on stage somehow and was dancing right along with all the hairy chested men!
Skylar has also made his way on stage at the National Down Syndrome Congress, backstage to meet political figures and on the court before the start of a NBA basketball game!