Letter 133: Creating Stories
When we teach empathy
October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments. Today’s author, Rebecca, shares her parenting journey with her son Guion and how she and her family foster love and inclusion, not only for Guion, but for all of us. —Anita
When I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I was filled with excitement and anticipation for the future. However, when Guion was born and we learned he had Down syndrome, my joy was tempered with uncertainty. I cried when I heard the news, not because I didn’t love him but because I was scared of the unknown. Almost 18 years later, it’s not scary anymore.
In reality, “Down syndrome” is just a descriptive phrase, like blonde hair or right-handed, and it does not define Guion. He’s capable of so much.
There are still unknowns, and I have worries, but I have worries for all my kids—they’re just different types of worries.
In reality, “Down syndrome” is just a descriptive phrase, like blonde hair or right-handed, and it does not define Guion. He’s capable of so much. We did not know all the things he could do when he was born, nor do we know where his journey in life will take him, but we do know that we’re here to help him be the best version of himself. That includes believing he can do more and helping others do the same.
Guion’s arrival marked the beginning of a transformative journey for our family. It all began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create stories that give children the confidence to recognize and share their unique abilities. I want my son, and others like him, to feel seen and valued. This idea blossomed into the creation of Guion The Lion, a picture book that celebrates differences and encourages children to embrace diversity.
Writing Guion The Lion was a labor of love, inspired by Guion’s vibrant spirit and the unique way he experiences the world. The book's message resonated with families and educators, sparking conversations about inclusion and kindness. Seeing how a simple story could make such a profound impact was heartwarming.
But I realized that a single book was just the beginning, no matter how meaningful. There was so much more to be done. Driven by this realization, I embarked on the next phase of our journey: creating Curious B.E.I.N.G.s, a children's educational platform to foster curiosity and empathy.
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s stands for "Be Kind. Encourage Compassion. Inspire Creativity. Nurture Courage. Grow Your Mind." These core values are at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to provide children with resources that entertain and educate, helping them to develop an understanding and appreciation for the diverse world around them.
We believe that understanding and valuing others' experiences is fundamental to creating a more inclusive society.
A critical component of our mission is teaching empathy. Our stories and activities aim to help children see the world from someone else’s perspective. Understanding and valuing others' experiences is fundamental to creating a more inclusive society. We’ve developed a range of materials, from books and lesson plans to engaging activities, all designed to encourage children to explore, ask questions, and appreciate the beauty in our differences.
This journey hasn't always been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Each time I see a child’s face light up while reading Guion The Lion or participating in one of our Curious B.E.I.N.G.s activities, I am reminded of why we started this mission. It's about more than just education; it's about fostering a more inclusive and understanding world for all our children.
Guion’s journey has become our journey, and through Curious B.E.I.N.G.s, we hope to inspire others to join us in celebrating diversity, nurturing curiosity, and fostering compassion. Together, we can create a future where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to be their most authentic selves.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Let's continue to grow, learn, and spread kindness, one story at a time. Both our book and Curious B.E.I.N.G.s’ activities are available on our website. If you're interested in bringing the magic of curiosity and kindness to your classroom, we'd love to be a part of it! Let's make learning an adventure together!
Rebecca’s 5 Favorite Things
My younger brother introduced me to The Happiness Lab, and I've been hooked ever since. Tied for favorite is Hidden Brain. Both podcasts offer deep insights and thought-provoking content that challenge me to see the world and others in a different light.
I love the outdoors, but sunsets and sunrises are my favorite times of day. In particular, I adore sunsets on 30A beach, where the clouds always seem to make that time of day even more magnificent.
I definitely have learned to prioritize my workouts over the years as I realize they are extremely healthy as a brain break! My go-to in Denver is TOS Boxing – you have to stay present to perform.
My favorite quote is from Theodore Roosevelt because I believe life is a journey and we need to be focused on trying about the effort and learning that come from trying, regardless of the outcome. This is the short version:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
I’m so fair skin that when I blush, you know it! Several years ago, I started using iT cosmetics CC+ and I love it. Definitely helps keep the red in check for me.
In gratitude,
Rebecca Macsovits
P.S. Katie reminds us here how powerful books can be for kids and parents (letter 10). And Nadine writes here about the pain of being “othered” (letter 22).
To think of a world where everyone is taught by Guion the Lion 😁😁 I want every one of my college classrooms to have a copy of this book!!
Wow. This is beautiful. Guion the Lion has so many beautiful lessons, especially teaching kids to recognize, celebrate, and share their uniqueness. Wishing you the best of luck as you continue to change the world with Continuous B.E.I.N.G.'s. I, too, believe we can create a future where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to be their most authentic selves. Let's get after it.