Mackenzie

In honor of October being Down Syndrome Awareness month, I would like to introduce you all to my 22-year-old little sister,  Mackenzie.

Mackenzie has been such a great blessing in my family's life. Many don't know what to expect when they meet Kenz, and aren't sure how to act around her. I am here to explain to you exactly what Down Syndrome is, and what its like growing up with a family member with Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome is when the fetus has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. My parents are a true blessing in our lives, as they faced raising a down syndrome child with an 'all or nothing' attitude. They will be the first to tell you it isn't easy, but they wouldn't trade it for the world.

Growing up, Mackenzie was never treated differently than the rest of us kids. She had chores, responsibilities, she got in trouble, she went to school, she watched movies, and played outside. She was active in after-school activities, playing soccer, basketball, learning a little about football, dancing and even cheered on her high school squad for 3 years.

KSL recently did a story on Mackenzie, as she was a cheerleader at Ogden High School. You can watch it here.

One of the most common questions I am asked when someone I know finds out my little sister has Down Syndrome, is 'What's her mentality level?'

Wait, what? I often get annoyed and want to ask the person what their personal mentality level is to ask such a stupid question. Mackenzie is categorized as slightly severe, but I don't believe that for a minute. She has never had any medical problems growing up. She can feed herself, dress herself, read, write, sing, dance, she can go to the grocery store and pay for things with her own money, and she can text message. She is just like the typical high school cheerleader, worrying about boys, going to dances, being Prom Queen, and ALWAYS doing her makeup.

Last year, my mom took Kenz in for some blood tests after finding she would sleep for 16-18 hours a day. She never wanted to go anywhere, lost her appetite, and was gaining weight. We found out she had hypothyroidism, and that soon changed with medication, putting Kenzie right back where she should be.

Mackenzie recently returned from a 6-month mission to Vermont with my parents. While in Vermont, she was responsible for checking Christmas lights to ensure they all worked properly, planting flowers, and going for rides in the 4 x 4 gators.

Mackenzie loves kids. We currently have 17 grandchildren in the family and Kenz is constantly teasing, playing, and holding each one of them. Some of her favorite things to do are dancing, singing to Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, watching Friends, playing with Tykee, Henry and Aeron, teasing her brothers-in-law, traveling, reading her Book Of Mormon, playing basketball, and riding her brand new bike.

As I mentioned before, Kenz is such a blessing in our lives. She is one of the most entertaining people to be around, and one of the most kind, and caring people I've known. If you see Kenz around, tell her hi. She is no different than you or me, and you will surely have a better day.

My maid of honor