My mother was very young when she gave birth to her second daughter, a girl with Down syndrome. My parents received the news with pain, of course, but they accepted with courage the difficult task of raising her with love and responsibility, welcoming her into their lives as a gift from God. Though she needed special care—which meant sacrifices for all of us—my sister became, as she grew, a source of great joy for everyone: watching her first smiles, first steps, first words.
Many years have passed. Now my sister Eleonora is sixteen. Growing up beside her day after day, year after year, I have come to understand things that may seem insignificant to other young people. I see life and suffering through different eyes—eyes full of hope and optimism—because I have had "the fortune" of having a sister who taught me to love my neighbor. So if anyone ever asks me what the purpose is of people with disabilities, I can answer calmly: they are a true example of life for us to follow. Through their innocence, their courage in facing life without complaint, and especially through the simple way they love and help others, they show us what matters most. They have a gift for bringing out the most beautiful values of human life. They are deeply affectionate people, full of love, generosity, and humanity. I am convinced that every family should consider itself "fortunate" to have one of these remarkable people beside them. Through them, we can rediscover values we had lost.
— Rosita (18), 1996