Boy With Down Syndrome Celebrates His Third Birthday And Steals People's Hearts

Oct 21, 2020 by apost team

In the past, those born with developmental impairments were not placed in high regard. Yet, as society has evolved and become more understanding, this judgmental tone has shifted. Individuals with Down syndrome often have a unique way of viewing the world, and a more gentle disposition. 

A video of Rhett Flener from Bowling Green, Kentucky, was recently posted on Facebook by his mother Le Ann. The little boy has captured hearts with his unencumbered joy and adorable laugh. His birthday celebration has been watched and celebrated by thousands of people around the world. 

Lynn had not expected that a family video she posted to Facebook would go viral. "Obviously you think your own child is the cutest and maybe some family members will think what they do is cute as well," she told WBKO, "It's our kid, so we obviously think it's pretty cute."

"We've gotten messages on social media from people in Ireland, Paraguay, Mexico," she continued. 

apost.com

Birthdays are always a special day for children, and it is no different for Rhett. Even during social-distanced times, Rhett's mother wanted to make sure he had a special day. She baked a cake for him in his favorite color, purple, and his favorite flavor, vanilla. The special cake was Rhett's brother's idea. 

The entire house was decorated, and a small gathering of family friends was present for him. His parents Le Ann and Garet made sure that Rhett knew this day was for him.

At first, he looks at the cake with disbelief or confusion. Then, he quickly understands what is happening and that this entire event is for him. He looks at the candle and immediately bursts into a giant smile. A quick glance at the photo and Rhett's happiness is palpable. You cannot help but feel his joy along with him.

"I think people love this video so much because when watching his joy and pure happiness you can't help but feel those same emotions. Many people have sent messages to us telling us how happy it made them," Le Ann told WBKO, "It's showing that he's just like everybody else -- he gets just as excited when he gets to blow out his candle"

The celebration continued with his entire family singing "Happy Birthday" to him. With every verse, it seems the joy in Rhett's face becomes more and more. As he blows out the candles, the smirk across his face is one that his family will likely never forget. It's no wonder why this photo went viral so quickly.

Le Ann posted it to her personal Facebook wall and intended that it would only be seen by a few of her friends. However, the photo was immediately reposted by hundreds of people. Before she knew it, millions had seen the birthday boy's joy.

Rhett is just your average 3-year-old boy with a lot of spunk. He is the middle child of three boys and is a deeply loving and caring brother to his siblings. "He just became a big brother so he's all about the baby and wanting to hold him all the time," Lee Ann said.

"He's definitely making his community a better place just when we go out somewhere people love interacting with Rhett. It just brings a lot of joy," his father, Garet, added.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is always a special moment to see a look of pure joy on a child's face. Whether it be this boy with Down syndrome celebrating his birthday, or any child finding joy within the moment. What's your favorite moment of a child living to the fullest and letting the stress of the world fade away?