A More Perfect Freedom

As we approach Independence Day, we reflect on the words that shaped our nation:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal… endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

These ideals inspired a revolution…a bold declaration that every human life has inherent worth. But as a mother of a child with Down syndrome, I find myself asking: Do we still believe this? For everyone?

When my son Jack was born, there were no balloons or joyful congratulations. Instead, I received a list of physical characteristics. No celebration. No acknowledgment of his life…only his Down syndrome diagnosis.

That moment sparked a fire in me. Why do we live in a country that champions liberty and equality, yet fails to celebrate babies born with an extra 21st chromosome? Why do we allow assumptions and outdated beliefs to dictate a child’s worth before they’ve even taken their first steps? We can’t celebrate independence while placing conditions on who is worthy of it.

At Jack’s Basket, we challenge this narrative. We exist to remind the world that every baby is worthy of celebration. Every life has value not because of what someone might contribute to society, but simply because they exist.

Our culture often asks, “What can you do for me?”
But what if true freedom, true happiness comes from asking instead, “How can I serve you?”

This Independence Day, may we recommit to the belief that freedom belongs to all people regardless of ability, background, or diagnosis. May we stop labeling some lives as more valuable than others. And may we return the power to the people, not based on achievement or expectation, but because every person is worthy, valuable, and created with purpose.

That is the kind of country I want to live in. That is the freedom worth celebrating.

-Carissa