Dear Millennials,

First, let me start by apologizing for my negative thoughts about you. Specifically, for saying things like, “You’ve had so much smoke blown up your ass by your parents you have no concept of humility.” The truth be told I was fearful I would have to someday work for you. I realize now having to work for anyone makes me nervous because only I have my family’s best interest at heart. Sure I wished unschooling/freelance writing/grant writing/authoring/retail worker paid more— but the upside is I’m free. Generation Xers need freedom (or maybe it’s just me).

Second, I read with great interest the story in The New York Times: In Toy Ads and on the Catwalk, Models With Down Syndrome. I was shocked—and I’m not easily shocked as a Gen X’er—by the fact:

“…advertisers say that using models with Down syndrome or a physical disability allows them to communicate their values and connect with customers, particularly millennials, who respond to inclusiveness and are looking for “authenticity” in advertising.

Millennials “expect to see a broad cross-section of families, couples and individuals, including people who are developmentally disabled as a matter of truthfulness,” said Bob Witeck, a former executive with the public relations firm Hill & Knowlton and a communications strategist in Washington, D.C., who tracks ad spending.”

Hello Millennials! I love truthfulness, inclusivity and authenticity! L-O-V-E -T-H-E-M! I had two thoughts upon reading this article: We are not so different after all! And, you control a shit ton of money— in an awesome way. If I have to really work for someone again, I think I could work for you. (But, honestly yuck to working for anyone.)

Third, if you truly feel this way there might be more people with Down syndrome coming into the world. That thought gives me great hope for my son and the world. Your parents must have told you freedom is important. If I had a child when it was prescribed you would be my children. Instead I became a parent to a boy who had Down syndrome at 49 years of age.

Generation Z

Lovely Millennials, we get each other. I’m grateful to you. I’m proud of you. Let’s embrace this beautiful world of everyone.

Sincerely,

Thorin’s mother