hat draws us nearer to one another? And what then, divides us until we no longer recognize ourselves in the other? As an outgoing type in her early 30s, I recently became acquainted with someone with whom I share many interests. Her name is Emily Boycott. Emily and I are both in pursuit of athletic endeavours, and share an affinity for sports -- gymnastics ranks near the top of our lists. I train to run half-marathons, and am a `former' competitive gymnast (as my husband likes to remind me). Emily trains and competes competitively in rhythmic gymnastics, and is soon to be a three-time Olympic athlete. A world champion. I watched Emily perform her hoop routine, and admired how she dazzled in the light with every sharp movement. As she arched backwards from her knees, the hoop encircling her small athletic frame, her cropped short hair stayed perfectly in place. I tried to catch her gaze, but the focus and determination in her eyes was unmistakable. Her eyes revealed a softness, paralleled only by her grace. Emily's a year older than I. We share the same birth month, and I was pleased to learn we live near one another. She attends church with her family down the street from where I live with mine. We both like to volunteer in our community, and enjoy reading and writing, as well as spending time with friends and family. We each have jobs, commitments, responsibilities -- others who depend on us. Emily and I have big travel plans this summer, respectfully. She will be in Los Angeles, Calif. competing in the Olympic World Games, while I embark on a journey to India for the World Down Syndrome Congress. We are following our passions in life. With so many similarities, I got to thinking about what it is that sets Emily and me apart. Because in many ways, as with most people, our lives are quite different. I am married. I have two children. Emily lives at home with her parents, and continues to date. It wasn't that long ago my husband and I lived at home with his parents, and a friend put the question of having an adult living at home to rest for me, when she said: "I didn't have children not to love them for their whole lives." Emily has Down syndrome. I do not. Does that matter? Does that preclude us from becoming friends, or prevent her from living a full life? Some people may view Down syndrome as a disability , but I see all the things Emily Discovering inspiration while making a new friend W Emily Boycott | courtesy Brad McFarlane Photography 13 | Friday, August 7, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com has been able to do. In truth, there's a good chance -- had my youngest daughter never been born with Down syndrome -- Emily and I would never have met. But, Emily and I aren't just friends because she has Down syndrome. We are friends because something clicked when we got to know each other. We share common interests and enjoy each other's company. She's an incredible rhythmic gymnast, for a person with Down syndrome or without. I admire that about her. We have a lot to talk about. As we draw near, what joins us then is our energy, our common human spirit, and our unique personalities that make us who we are, that spark and sparkle when we meet others who share our enthusiasms in life. Those sparks are always there, waiting to be lit a fire, to shine, shedding light on all those who surround their flame. What sets us apart then, is everything we do not know about the other; the darkness and grey areas, all that we dare not ask, or risk finding out. We may be more alike than we thought. Since 1952 I am not suggesting that we all need to be friends, but that we must each respect the other's fire. There exists a common ground, amidst the flames, where if you are still, pay attention, and let your eyes adjust, you can see into the beautiful heart of the blaze. On behalf of the Halton Down Syndrome Association, best wishes to all of the athletes competing in the 2015 Special Olympic World Games (www. la2015.org). May each of your flames burn bright. To my friend Emily: you are a true inspiration. -- Adelle Purdham is a teacher , writer , and mother of two who lives in Georgetown, Ont. She is vice-chair of the Halton Down Syndrome Association (haltondownsyndrome.com). What's Good...? It is the fusion of balanced nutrition, mind and body with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food cures, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Chiropractic. ...That's Wellness by Design Call us TODAY to schedule a FREE Wellness consultation NEW SUMMER MENU! at What's Fresh Eatery Katrina Dollano TCM Practitioner Charleston Dollano Dr. Ron McAlister Executive Chef Chiropractor Carpet Cleaning Specialists 125 Cross Ave., Oakville · www.whatsgoodwellness.ca · 905.845.5775 On The Spot! 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