There are some People who have Down Syndrome and other people who don’t have Down Syndrome. Both and all types of the people enjoy to give performances for other people.
I Myself love to do things that make their day and I love to do it by singing and dancing and also love to do performances for my Family Members. It’s when you have your Family all together your brothers and sisters and your mom and dad too. And then you can give performances to your family and also to your pets too. Your pets are a part of your family too.
Anyone who has had the joy of experiencing one of Leah’s infamous song and/or dance performances should consider themselves one lucky person, at least in my biased opinion, this belief is unanimous.
For my entire life, I have been a member of Leah’s audience alongside my family and our various family friends. It wasn’t until I was about 17 years old that I realized, hmm… probably not too many other families do this on a regular basis. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.
As Leah’s 35th birthday is approaching on July 1st – HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY LEAH! – you better believe that a performance was among her list of birthday activities (which, per the image below, Leah took the word Birth-DAY to another level, with activities lasting from Lunch until, oh, 10:00 or 11:00pm).
With Leah’s performances, our family never quite knows what we’re going to get; sometimes a Ballad, often a random throwback. One Father’s Day it’s Carrie Underwood, the next Paula Abdul, then she’ll sprinkle in a little Billy Ray Cyrus. One Christmas she really threw us for a loop, dedicating her performance to Jesus for His birthday and simply reciting a poem standing at a podium. There are no rules. Sometimes it’s just a song, sometimes it’s a dance. Often one of each. I am certain she would put on a two-hour show if she could.
Leah’s poem reading was made complete with the Fireplace DVD ablaze in the background
I’ll never forget my last birthday, when Leah found a clip of Louis Armstrong (an all-time favorite of mine) singing Happy Birthday, and her performance was to sing-a-long with ol’ Satchmo. Anyone familiar with Louis Armstrong’s voice will understand that this was quite an interesting duet.
No matter her route – this girl is a performer – and let me tell you, she nails it, every.single.time. So how does she do it?…
There is all sorts of music styles that you can to do when you do special performances for your loved ones. Also you have to pick your selection of music, and songs what that you want to do. It feels good to show off your skills of other peoples music and songs selections with all of different music genres. Genre that is the type of music you love to listen and I love all kinds of them.
When I listen to music while I hear the music and listen to it and let the music play I think about songs and how they move me all around in my day and my heart and soul by listen to it. I get a song in my mind that remind me of my family members and I pick and choose what music and songs selection to practice and then get ready and prepare my performance. You have to prepare a lot of time before you performance.
When you do songs and music I choose them by to think about the special times and then celebrate around the special holidays. Like at Birthdays and Christmas and also on Mothers Day and Fathers Day. Also Easter with Easter Music to celebrate the Holy Jesus Christ too. And there are holidays like Valentines Day and to celebrate at on Thanksgiving too through special music and singing Dance performances. I do them with my whole family with my Sisters too and Brother in Law and Libby too our dog.
Leah’s most recent performance selection was a throwback Christina Aguilera song, “I Turn To You” on Mother’s Day
Her secret links back to a post we wrote on gift giving. She pays attention. She picks her performance carefully and intentionally. She prepares.
Leah’s performances have always been so special because of those exact things. She takes the time that so many of us don’t when we are doing something for others. And while all of us could respond to that statement with, “But I’m so busy.” The truth is, we all make time for what we prioritize in life. We all could take some notes from her passion for others.
It makes all the hard work to prepare for the performance feel worth to make it happen and practice to make my family and other loved ones to Touch their hearts and to have the special moment when I give my performances to them. My performances are very special and that can also give them to have a happy tear rolling down on their face. It is a very and most special connection to have that to get emotions from my singing and dancing to them. I never want to stop doing performances for my Family Members.
Us sisters back in the day. Leah in the middle. Once a performer, always a performer.
I never want Leah to stop giving us performances. She has always kept that youthful side of her. It’s one of my favorite quirks about my family. My hope is that whatever it is in your family that brings you joy never stops – whether it’s a karaoke contest on the 4th of July, an annual Golf Tournament, or matching flannel pajamas on Christmas Day.
Here’s to turning our minds Upside Down.
Heart touched!!! So many memories, so much love.