She is not her diagnosis.

Eri has Down syndrome. That is one true thing about her. Here are some others: she is an artist. She loves bright colors, bold outfits, and anything that sparkles. She has strong opinions about where she wants to go and what she wants to do. She remembers everything. She makes friends everywhere she goes.

We’ve spent 21 years learning from her — about slowing down, about showing up, about what it actually means to celebrate a person for exactly who they are. She has taught us more than we’ve ever taught her.

---

The Art Corner

Eri paints, draws, uses gel crayons on glass, and goes through paint markers faster than we can order them. Her work is expressive, colorful, and completely her own. We keep the art supplies stocked and the table cleared — because when she wants to create, we don’t want anything in the way.

---

Area 15 — Las Vegas

This photo is one of our favorites. Area 15 in Las Vegas is loud, immersive, electric — and Eri was in her element. The whole trip was a reminder that the world is more open to her than people sometimes assume, and that she is more ready for it than people give her credit for.

---

Life at 21

Eri is an adult. She goes places, has preferences, and expects to be included — because she should be. Watching her navigate adulthood with Down syndrome has shaped everything about how we see disability, independence, and what a full life looks like. We’re still learning. We’re documenting all of it.