Tom Bickerby's baby Alex is going home soon. He has Downs syndrome and the future is scary. Just one look at the Sunday Times magazine this week could change a lot of that.
Two brothers talk of their lives together. One is musical protege Benjamin Grosvenor, who at 18 will be the youngest soloist ever to perform at the opening night of the proms. He is a pianist of exceptional talent.
His brother is Jonathan, 21, who has Downs. He goes to all Ben's concerts but he writes: "The problem with Ben's music is it hasn't got a beat. I like Westlife and JLS. Even when Benjamin isn't practising his piano he's doing it in his head. I can tell.
"I like to write stories. The main character is mainly me. I'm a normal human with Downs syndrome." Get that? He writes. With perception, even if his taste in music is a bit iffy.
Benjamin says: "It must have been very difficult for mum when I started overtaking Jono in development. The GP kept saying, 'think low." She obviously didn't take his advice. Both boys are achieving at the very peak of their potential. It's what all parents want, but not all of us get to see. Alex is moving forward. Who knows what lies in store?
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