Last night, it was my Big Boss’ birthday.  We were invited to attend and since he is our boss, my colleagues and I decided to join.  It was a Sunday and was supposed to be a family day.  I had to meet my friend somewhere so we can go to the party together.  After going out with my family, I did not have the time to change.  I was in my usual normal day-to-day attire.  I was worried but when I saw my friend wearing the same thing, I got relieved a little.  I could picture in my mind the people wearing formal party attire and I would really be out of place.  But when I saw the celebrant, he was not wearing a men’s tuxedo or something formal.  Whew!  I was very relieved or this could have been one of my most embarrassing moments.

This is Moses.  He is my cousin and he has Down syndrome.  It means a condition of a child in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically.  I remember he had an open-heart surgery when he was still a baby.  I really could not give out his medical history because I was still young at that time as well.  He lives in another place so I only see him when his mom would come to our hometown for a vacation and it is not very often too..  The last time I saw him was a few years ago.  And honestly I don’t know how old he is right now.  All I remember was I was able to baby sit him when he was still a baby.  I could remember him as very tiny.  Just recently, I saw his picture in facebook.  I was amazed at how big he is already.  And most of all I was surprised that he has such a great talent in painting.  A thing that I never knew was in our family.  Because I don’t have that.  The last time I saw him, though he was already 6, 7 or 8 years old then, he was not able to talk yet.  He can only say a few words, now I just cannot help it but be proud of him,  I know there are a lot who is more talented than him.  No doubt about it.  But since he is my cousin, and he is a member of my family, I will always be proud of him.  For me, he is still the best.

                                               Moses and his paintings