So, I was raised with Down's people around regularly. They are kind, sweet, loyal people who are well worth having as friends. There is one in particular who went to my school who my mother taught, who we run into about once a year. He's a good guy, kind, loving, hard working. I always give him a a hug and ask how he's doing. I am realistic and honest with him. Honestly, he is my friend, as close as about anyone I knew from high school. The honest truth is, he kept a job through a major recession and has done pretty well for himself. I hope it means something to him for me to say such things, that he has honestly done better than the majority of those we went to school with. Sure, he need help, who doesn't? I know I do. All I can say is that even those with such disabilities can work hard and do pretty well in life. That's the sort of thing that makes me happy, and happy to call them my friend. My mother asks me to do her a favor and say hi, but it is absolutely no favor to take a few with a good dude I knew from high school and am happy to see again.