Why the Name Route T21 Matters
"I will never let you down." Those words I promised Tommy when he was still in my womb. I made that vow on October 31, 2007, when we got his prenatal diagnosis for Trisomy 21, and in just a few months, it will be eighteen years since I whispered it into the universe.
I’ve kept that promise close to my heart ever since. It gives me the perseverance to keep searching, learning, fighting, and loving in the ways Tommy needs most. That promise is the very root of Route T21. It’s not just a brand name. It’s a path I carved the moment I realized the world might not be ready for Tommy, so I’d have to help build one that is.
Let’s sit down and talk—just you and me. I want to share the heart behind something close to my soul: the name Route T21. It’s more than just a name. It’s our story. It’s my son Tommy’s story. And maybe, in some way, it’s your story too—or someone you love.
A Tribute to a Journey
When Tommy was born, life handed us a map we weren’t expecting. It had twists, cliffs, uphill climbs, and moments of breathtaking beauty we couldn’t have imagined. Tommy has Autism, Down syndrome, brain damage, sensory processing, and so on—and let me tell you, raising him has been the hardest and most beautiful thing I’ve ever done.
The name Route T21 is our road. It’s the winding path we’ve traveled as a family—full of struggles, yes—but also full of victories. Little ones. Big ones. And everything in between. Every step we’ve taken, even the ones that felt like setbacks, brought us here. This route is paved with grit, love, and the deep belief that every milestone—no matter how small—is worth cheering for.
A Nod to an American Icon: Route 66
When I moved to Missouri, I remember seeing the signs for Route 66—the legendary “Main Street of America” that winds right through the state. Missouri isn’t just a stop on this historic highway; it’s home to some of the most beloved and well-preserved stretches of Route 66. From the soaring Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the vintage charm of Springfield and the small-town spirit of Joplin, this road tells stories of freedom, adventure, and the open road.
Route 66 was more than just a highway—it was a lifeline during the Dust Bowl, a route to new opportunities during the Great Depression, and a symbol of American optimism and the pursuit of dreams. Classic diners, neon-lit motels, and quirky roadside attractions still stand as reminders of those bygone days when the journey was as important as the destination. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s was a harsh environmental disaster in the Great Plains, including Missouri. Severe drought and poor farming led to massive dust storms, forcing many families to flee and travel Route 66 in search of hope and new beginnings. This history of resilience and perseverance perfectly mirrors the spirit behind Route T21.
Route T21 draws from that same spirit. Like Route 66, it’s not always a smooth ride. It’s full of unexpected detours, surprises, and discoveries. But it’s ours—a path carved by perseverance, love, and hope. And just like that iconic American road, Route T21 leads us toward something powerful: a future where people of all abilities, neurodiversity, and inclusion are not only accepted but celebrated as part of a sustainable society.
It’s about the journey, the stories we create along the way, and the hope that keeps us moving forward.
What “T21” Really Means
Now here's where it gets wild. The “T” stands for Tommy. We used to call him “Big T” when he was born because, well—he was a big baby, and he looked like a month-old baby at birth. And not expected by doctors because he was born with Down syndrome!
Trisomy 21 is the medical term for Down syndrome, a genetic condition where there's an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. But get this—how’s that for a “meant to be”? The abbreviation for Trisomy 21 is T21. We didn’t have to invent a thing. It was already written. It’s as if this path was waiting for us the whole time.
So, when you see “Route T21,” know this: it’s not just Tommy’s initials mashed up with a diagnosis. It’s a statement. A declaration. That extra chromosome? It adds more than just medical challenges.
It adds beauty. It adds depth. It adds Tommy.
A REbEL Against Perfection: Tommy’s Entrepreneurial Project
Here’s the part that gets me fired up—Route T21 isn’t just a name. It’s the foundation for Tommy’s entrepreneurial project, called A REbEL Against Perfection. This is his homeschool vocational program. I like to say he’s training to become “the CEO of his own destiny.”
Because here’s the truth: the traditional systems weren’t built for kids like Tommy with profound disabilities. And waiting around for inclusion to catch up? That’s not an option. So, we built something new—something real. Through this creative, sustainable micro-initiative, Tommy is learning how to work, create, and contribute. He’s learning that he matters, that he has value, and that success doesn’t look the same for everyone—and that’s more than okay. Tommy is building life skills, confidence, and a future—one step at a time.
Be Part of the Route—Join Us
If this moved you—if it stirred something in your heart or made you look at the world a little differently—don’t just walk away inspired. Walk with us.
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We believe A REbEL Against Perfection can be more than a family project. It can be a revolution of love, work, and inclusion—the kind that changes how we see worth, ability, and success in every human soul.
