It is timely to reflect on how the choices we make daily contribute to a culture of life.

#1 Respect the life that is in front of you with kind and encouraging words while trying our best to employ the "10 positive comments to every 1 negative comment" rule.

#2 Be kind to people who seem "different". Each person is a precious child of God and has Jesus in there somewhere. Usually if God has placed a person in our path we have a chance to learn something if our heart is open. Resist the temptation of having pity and instead finding the gift.

#3 Hold babies. Coo at babies, love all babies. Create a baby-friendly environment in one’s workplace to create deeper attachments.

#4 Slow down and observe creation. There is great awe in God’s beauty.

#5 Say Thank you each day for gift(s) of life. The earth that provides food to nourish our body. The people in our life. The sacraments. The person who stopped to help change your tire.

#6 As Pope Francis says, “keep moving…” Use gifts God has given you and make a difference in life issues by sending a letter or visiting your representative. As an advocate, it does make a difference!

#7 Speak well of your spouse and children to others. Your actions may encourage others to get married and have children.

#8 Words matter. Use “person-first” language. Believe it or not, “a child who is deaf” vs a “deaf child” makes a big difference for others to see this child as a person first instead of a diagnosis.

#9 Remember those who are without a home, those in prison, those who are in need of love in daily prayer. Take field trips to visit those who are elderly, make a meal for someone without a home.

#10 When a child is born or adopted (whether the child is #1 or #9, whether the child is typical or born with a diagnosis) say “Congratulations”. Each child is a gift and if we allow can transform our hearts and lives for God’s glory.

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Bonus for teachers: Respect different learning styles. Be patient, positive, supportive and adaptable. When I have had to make a change in the classroom for an “outlier” it inevitably benefits more students.

---From the perspective of a mother with a child with Down syndrome

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This was published years ago by Edna Massimilla and can bring comfort to those mothers and fathers who receive gifts who may not be what they expected. We often underestimate the gift for the parent’s life mission. Today there is so much more we can do early on to help children overcome much of their handicap.

Heaven’s Very Special Child

A meeting was held so far from Earth.

It was the time for another birth.

The Angels said to the Lord above --

“This special child will need much love.

“For progress may be very slow,

Accomplishment may never show,

This special child will need much care

From the people way down there.”

This child may not talk, run or play,

And thoughts may seems so far away.

In many ways will not try to adapt

Known as “disabled” and handicapped”.

“Please be careful where this one is sent.

We want this child to be so content.”

“O please, Lord, find the parents who

Will do a very special job for You.”

“They will not realize right away,

The leading role that they have to play.

But with this child sent from above

Comes stronger faith, and richer love.

Soon they’ll know the privilege given

In caring for their gift from Heaven.

Their precious child, so meek and mild

Is Heaven’s very special child.”