Strength is usually measured physically, like how much weight a person lifts, pushes, or hauls. The story of Sader Issa's father shows that love is the most powerful force on Earth.
When it comes to Down syndrome, ignorance is the real handicap
Sader Issa was raised by his father who has Down syndrome and the two share quite an incredible relationship.
Sader's father's love inspired acceptance in their neighborhood. So much in fact, that the neighbors who chose not to treat the family with respect became the outsiders.
Sader was never ashamed of his family
Sader told the Syrian Society for Social Development, that he never felt embarrassed by his father's Down syndrome.
Sader said his father's love created the man he is today.
Sader's father defied odds
Sader believed his father's condition blessed him and he never gave in to negative thinking by others.
His father defied the odds, influencing his own generosity and kindness.
As most sons do, Sader's believed his dad was Superman
In college, Sader worked with his father at a wheat mill.
His father's effort to provide security and stability is remembered proudly. His father expected nothing in return.
Work hard! Study harder!
Sader's father always worked hard and was encouraging.
Sader believes it inspired him to seriously study in order to realize his own dream of one day becoming a dentist.
Father's condition made the bond of Sader's parents stronger
According to Sader, his parents' relationship and love are as strong as when they first married decades ago.
Today, they still talk for hours and go for long walks.
Children want and give Love unconditionally!
When Sader reflects back about his childhood, it brings him great joy and puts a big smile on his face.
He fondly remembers always having playtime with his father.
Sader's father loves and supports him
Understandably, Sader's father speaks with the pride only a loving parent can have.
He says with that special parental twinkle in his eyes, "My son is a doctor!"
Parents with Down syndrome need the love of their children
Sader's good nature and love for his family also inspire his parents to be their best selves.
Parents with Down syndrome especially need to feel loved by their children, which can strongly influence their positive outlook on life.
Sader's graduation is the greatest gift he could give his father
Anyone who has studied dentistry knows it takes mental toughness.
Pursuing Sader's dream of becoming a high-paid dentist was tough, but was also a priceless gift to his beloved father.
Success is what you make of it!
With full confidence, Sader proclaims that his own success mirrors his father defying odds triumphantly.
With no excuses and plenty of perseverance, his father remains Sader's role model and inspires others.
Overcoming Down syndrome lifts others
Overcoming Down syndrome and raising a family is inspirational, and positively impacts other families in similar situations.
Sader gains the respect of those who see his family's love and inspires their own relationships.
Anything you can do, I can do too!
Sader's father, with his condition, was able to do whatever any other parent could.
Sader encourages society to see what people are capable of if given the chance.
Equality and acceptance are a process!
Sader's story is no longer unique.
In the UK, a bill supporting better care and treatment for those suffering from Down syndrome reached Parliament, sitting close to being passed.
Respect had to be mutual!
Every year of their marriage, Sader's parents demonstrate mutual respect for one another that he greatly admires.
Caring for a spouse with Down syndrome is not easy and requires understanding by both people in the relationship.
Research supports what Sader knew and felt his whole life
According to research, 99% of those with Down syndrome report an overwhelming joy for life.
Watching their children grow up happy and healthy brings parents with the condition great happiness.
Sader's father was not the story, he was the message!
Sader's family wants their story to not only inspire others but to also raise awareness of Down syndrome.
Foundations like the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, exist because of their story and others.
Opening minds is half of the battle! People need proof!
Just saying his dad raised a doctor is not the goal of Sader's family.
They want people to look around and see everyday people thriving despite having Down syndrome.
Hope is on the horizon!
A Down syndrome diagnosis does not have to bring sadness to all involved.
Sader's family proved that belief, hope, and love, are like a light at the end of the tunnel.
Down Syndrome is not a death sentence!
Should London's Down syndrome Bill pass, the landmark decision will ripple worldwide.
It makes those with the condition a minority group, entitling them to improved treatment, education, and employment.
