Today is not a #tbt, but a day to honor my dear uncle João Luiz. (4/5)

Today is not a #tbt, but a day to honor my dear uncle João Luiz, who passed away this week. He was the first person with Down Syndrome I ever met in my life, and I was able to experience how special they are, as well as some of the prejudice and lack of understanding that many people had at the time and still have today. They even told my grandmother that it was a punishment. Little did they know it was the true blessing.

Very religious, I am happy that we were able to help him fulfill his dream of visiting the Sanctuary of Aparecida. These are also my last photographic records with him, dating from 2009, before we were deprived of his company in a cowardly and litigious manner, the details of which do not fit in this moment (God sees all).

I have many good memories of him. It was always great to enter his room, which had several cars, cool toys, pens, and he would get angry when we wanted to touch his things, always so organized.

He memorized birthdays like no one else; he knew by heart any date of acquaintances, relatives, and public figures. Always very affectionate with everyone, he liked to congratulate, receive visits. He made his birthday a big party, and after the date passed, he would already start thinking about the date of the following year.

I don’t know how his last years were… I only hope they were as good as his heart, and that now, together with grandma Olivia and his brother-in-law Antoracy, he can have a lot of fun! Having someone with Down Syndrome in your life is a gift; they are different because they love without filters, and they do not see malice in people. Rest in peace, uncle João.

#luto #rip #homenagem

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Originally published on Instagram on 15/05/2021: https://www.instagram.com/p/CO6bX8yrCBZ/