January 29th, 2024

Do you, like me, cherish leisurely strolls along Manara Bay, especially in the early evening to witness the mesmerizing sunset?
Do you, like me, enjoy wandering through the streets of Beirut running errands and attending nearby appointments? If so, you must embark on the Beirut City Tour that Maria invited me to join. And she insisted that we sit on the upper level of the bus for an enhanced view and experience. The sunset from above was breathtaking, and traversing Beirut’s streets from that high point, feeling the city’s vibrancy, liveliness, and beauty, was truly exceptional! For Maria, this experience reflected her way of looking at things differently as well as her insistence on celebrating life. For me, it allowed me to rediscover this beloved city with a fresh perspective, and on a personal note, it filled my heart with joy as I realized Maria how much this city, deserves your smile.

“Should I start with orange, Maria? Or blue would be more appropriate? And what color complements the blue? So I have to first decide on the color, or will it just happen as we advance in the design?” These questions swirl through my mind as I contemplate the design for our bag. In the face of these unstoppable questions, one definite answer emerges: Maria is talented. Her remarkable gift with colors brings them to life in ways I cannot begin to understand. And it’s not just colors; everything comes alive with Maria.

Whether during our ice cream outings, where I eagerly anticipate the moment the ice cream scoop that Maria is enjoying will jump from joy and move around like a twisted ball. Or during our trips to the chocolate factory, where the synergy between Maria and the chocolate cream tube is so notable that I am convinced, they are old friends, bonding and playing together!

I guess this is Maria showing me how to infuse joy and playfulness into everything we do. As her mother aptly put it, “There is an intrinsic and amazing joy within Maria that is completely independent of external factors.” This joy, coupled with a clever mix of mischief and humor, allows Maria to turn everything into a playful and humorous game.

Beyond joy and playfulness, Maria’s intelligence shines through at every step.
From her meticulously chosen programs so diversified, and so interesting on the learning and discovery part, to her deep respect for everything and everyone she encounters. A respect that is non-negotiable and coherent.
How is it that she always recognizes the ones that need to be greeted or cheered before any of us does, and never forget anyone in her greetings?
How is it that we all follow her commitment to maintaining cleanliness and order, with so much certitude and contentment, sorting our food waste, taking care of every piece left so delicately and putting things back in their original place?
Maria’s high regard for the environment led her to start a business. As her mother explained: “Maria was disturbed and upset when she saw people throwing tissues, from the car onto the road. She told me: Mam, I will make bags for people to keep in their car for trash instead of throwing them out the window.” This is how Maria began her business of designing and producing special bags for car use.

How is it Maria, that you possess such intelligence? What is it in that extra chromosome that elevates your natural abilities? How did you understand that joy and play are so important to our well-being? These two extraordinary powers, the power of joy and the power of play, have the ability to elevate us beyond our daily worries and problems, immersing us in a state of well-being that remains buffered from external influence. And how did you know that respect was the basis of our mutual and possible social life sharing, in a well-being environment?

Despite your intelligence Maria, why are you denied to education like any other child, even if you require another type of assistance or care? It is disheartening to learn, from your mother, that your name and those of other children with Down syndrome are not even on the list of students in the ministry of education! Instead, they are on the list of individuals and children with special needs at the ministry of social affairs. How can this still be possible?

Moreover, Maria, why don’t I see you everywhere I go – in the streets, supermarkets, restaurants, shops, fitness centers, and schools? Why aren’t you working or studying in any of these places? Why are you hiding? When on the contrary, you should be everywhere, and your presence would contribute significantly to the growth of our society with your so precious abilities?

While you may not have had the opportunity to acquire certain skills or use conventional communication tools, as you participate in society, you will choose and develop the means to contribute and grow alongside us. You will also help us improve ourselves with new tools, new possibilities, and new perspectives. You may teach us more important values and priorities that will broaden our horizons and help preserve our humanity.
Maria, it is through you that I recognize our limitations, and it is with you, that we will evolve into our most intelligent beings keeping our humanity at the forefront of our questioning.