Wow. He’s nearly 9.

I’m not sure how to process how quickly time has passed.

I remember meeting some of the families in the Down Syndrome community who had grade-school aged kids, and not quite being able to picture myself parenting a child that age. It felt so far away.

Yet… here we are. In about 3 weeks, I will have a 9 year old.

I asked Robert what he wanted to do to celebrate his 9th birthday. Previously, we’ve had some big (themed) parties. I wasn’t sure what he was interested in doing, but he certainly knew.

Immediately he declared “Gateau! Chandelles! Chante bonne fête”. Cake, Candles, Sing Happy Birthday!

Well, that’s that. I guess he doesn’t have big expectations but we better think about what kind of cake, and make it good! We wanted to celebrate Robert in a way that was fitting to him, so in addition to his cake and candles, we will bring him to a museum and share in a special experience.

However, we would like to invite YOU to celebrate alongside us. We’ve set up a fundraiser in Robert’s honour, and we are looking to raise $840 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada (specifically, SW Ontario). Why $840? Well, $840 is enough to cover 5 nights stay at a RMH for a family.

Don’t think you are in a position to donate financially? Consider sharing his fundraiser to help us to reach our goal before the end of March! Together we can make a difference in our community.