Running a Business with Down Syndrome
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- After losing his wife to cancer Tony Sykes raised his four children alone - the two youngest Emma and Nicki, were born with Down Syndrome. Worried about how the future would be for his daughters if he wasn’t around, Tony has used his entrepreneurial know-how to establish a business, which he operates with Emma. Called Downlights - the venture is a shining success.
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He really is like a candle. Burning himself so that her daughters can shine brightly. He’s an amazing human being. They’re all are amazing
They are his children
It part of being a parent parents Loves their kids with no words
I know a neighbor with Down syndrome who only drinks water and eats chicken and rice. He’d throw up if given any other combo of food. Been copying him for a while and I’m super healthy because of it. No sugar, no bad fats and he works as a mechanic helper and believe or not he’s actually doing real work. He knows where all the tools and helps with oil change and fill inflation
This man deserves
*FATHER OF THE YEAR!*
*FATHER OF THE WORLD!*
❤❤❤❤❤❤
BigSky Family Awesome Dad
@@StarAnnasDream 🙋YESSS AWESOME 🤗💞DAD💯 PERCENT!!!!
@BigSky Family 👏🤗🥰💞!!!!
BigSky Family I agree ☝️ father of the year father of the world ❤️❤️❤️
also deserves boss of the year
I have never seen so much love from one man all my life. God bless you and your beautiful Angels dad.
Ann Ndeke You didn't meet MY Daddy.......
@@StarAnnasDream lmao no one cares
@@atartup You seemed to care since you replied.
@@imontosomething2609 , Exactly and her negativity shows that she is struggling with life and unhappy and has no one to give her love like this Dad has given to his kids. And @ miller you will be more unhappy in yr life because of not appreciating the little things in life. Happy people do not show negativity towards other peoples success in life, you should feel ashamed of yr self @ Miller
còñfàŕèñçè
That woman who helped them start the business really deserves a shout-out! She recognized that it was for EMMA and wanted to give her meaning to her life
I love the lady that taught them all about candles. So kind. Most ppl would be to afraid to lose money. I love this video.
Loved your documentary about your family, and your first daughter was right, everybody is different.
The lady is a bllsd soul
Love her accent too lol
that's a true Canadian at heart ~
I love Canadians
RIP to his lovely wife. Hopefully he can find another kind soul to spend the rest of his life.🌷
Such a loving Father . May God always bless him and his family with good health and in their endeavours 🙏
Oh my god . What a wonderful , strong , awesome dad !!!!!! Much respect !!! I feel so sad he lost his wife 🤧
Yeah so true. LOL, my dad bless him also lost his wife to cancer but he turned it into a big drama because he was not a very well or whole person. And I fear that all my siblings and I have learned is how to turn things into big dramas, LOL, and not how not to turn them into big dramas. I find this video very touching, the way Tony Sykes decided to honor his wife's memory by perpetuating her positivity. (My dad was always blaming people as a way to deal with his powerlessness. I can't believe that I am writing about this, so many decades later.)
Angelina Souren You and your siblings have the power to turn that around and to try to show your dad how to bring more positivity into his life. As painful and sad as the loss of a beloved spouse or parent is, after the initial shock or adjustment to life w/o them being here physically one can try to transform the pain into something positive.
Right hes truly inspiring. What a lovely dad..
@@angelinasouren It's been 70 yrs and I still have some pain from a mother who ran off with our next door neighbor and left us 4 kids with our father, but I have done my best to move on..... Dad was a wonderful man. Never bad mouthed our mother, and did his best to raise us. He took us to the beach, roller skating, on vacations, was the music director at church -directing on Sun morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday nights, and even put together a quartett with us kids. Oh, what joy we found in music! We always had good meals and clean clothes AND our father had a very big job of supervising over 60 men at work, And his blind father also lived with us, A wonderful kind grandfather! We were very blessed to have our loving, caring father, just as Emma and Nicki. I have learned in life to try and be thankful for what I have and try to look past the sadness, and realize there are many more people in this world that have had a much more difficult time than myself. Looking for the good things that we have brings joy and makes for a much happier life than dwelling on the difficult things! Blessings to this wonderful dad, Tony Sykes. The world needs more men like him and my dad! AND when life hands you lemons, just make some tasty lemonade and move on! :)
Dad: "And everyone is off and ready to go to work"
Emma: "No!"
Dad: "See Everyone's helpful"
Maria Iona me when I get my kids up for school each morning. 😂
That to me reflects an awesome outlook and attitude and sense of humor. What a well grounded dude.
she’s me though
meredith hoots, same........My clock alarm every morning: Rinnnnnng, Rinnnnnnng}} Me:NO!!!😑😑🛌
Don't have the words to describe how proud I am of this man. He is tackling life head on every day.. and hes doing a great job.
I am very sorry for the loss of his wife and children's mother.. rest in peace.
I agree
Ah man im not to that part yet!
😭
@@mrs.garcia6978 Same here, I have to keep reminding myself to watch before reading. 😊
Marlo C
I love that he only depended on his older daughter's help for one year so he could reorganize his life. Some children get stuck caring for their younger siblings and the parent doesn't think about their needs. He actually used that grace period effectively.
I admire that. It's difficult but you have to remember to realise all your childrens' needs. He has done brilliantly
Wow! that man takes fatherhood to the next level!
a teal father
This video is great! I have a Down Syndrome daughter and in a hopeless situation. This has given me hope. Thank you so much!
:D
I love the woman who helped them with the candle business! What a kind soul! And what an amazing dad! What an amazing family! Much love to the staff and teachers at the special school! ❤️
yeah true but she also benefits they helped each other honestly
aliyamoon80 yeah, a true Canadian!
It was actually very nice. Life changing, with a butterfly effect
such a wonderful story. seeing this man raising both girls by himself, running a business that started with the help of a woman that offered her manufacturing know-how. i know now that angels do exist! bless this family!
Wahat is wonderful an fools/?????????\
My heart just melted when he said he feels lucky to have them in his life.
They are so blessed to have him in their lives as well!
What an incredible father. I’m lost for words. ❤️
Starting the business and simplifying his own life really helped him to truly enjoy the unique family he has. Instead of the stress of dividing his loyalties. This is so perfect!
Nicki and Emma are absolutely adorable. ❤ I'm so sorry for your loss Tony. Thank you so much for sharing your heartwarming story.
Adorable? You’re infantilising them!
@@lucyk9136 REALLY???
Lucy Kennedy you’re weird for thinking that’s what she’s doing
@@lucyk9136 Adorable doesn't just refer to kids and puppies ... Your reading the comment out of context.
@@melissam1652😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮 5:06 😊😊😊😊😊
God bless this woman who had it in heart to help create something for Emma🙏🏽
These girls have a lot to track the human race about love. Bless you both
I love the name, "Downlights"...so fitting and so perfect!
He is such a wonderful dad and an amazing person!
Indeed! A most fitting name.
What a wonderful story....a father's love knows no bounds differently abled not disabled! Beautiful girls!
Differently abled...I really like this viewpoint. Thank you for your comment!
Full respect to this amazing man.
I Think I "Love him" ♡
This is one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve seen in a very long time. Beautiful family.
He should get “Father of the year”! So sorry for the loss of their wife and mom!
A beautiful family, I can’t stop crying tears of joy for these beautiful young women. They all are blessed to have each other. 💕💕💕
Nothing like a man with real balls. Yeah, so I've got a thing for those super-hero types. Even if they don't don Spandex. And kudos to the lovely eldest daughter, a truly honorable woman.
Real balls...... 👍❤
TheWilyTrout ESQ well said my friend well said.
That guy is practically dragging his balls across the pavement while walking. Too much? Ok.
Someone In The Crowd what????????? What???
What a beautiful family. Their Mom's light shines through them all. I truly believe New Zealand has such loving people.
Employer's should always give someone with a disability a chance to work ...can't judge a person's potential. .. they can be a Gem and a fun person and they try their best
Downs kids are very limited in their abilities in the business world. They need regular assistance. I know because I have 22 yr old Downs daughter. Businesses need to hire someone to supervise them . It's not that easy.
viclloyd1 that is very true. We have a program at work that gives young people (they graduate at 21) with disabilities a chance to work and see what they’d like to do, while their supervisor sees what their abilities are and if they can do things on their own or with minimal supervision. Most of the time they cannot be hired for a traditional job for that reason.
A lot of them are capable of much more than meets the eye. No sense to have them sit at home and absorb tax money. I know a guy with a disability that reminds me of down's syndrome in a way, not entirely sure what it is, maybe fragile X. I haven't ever asked him what his disability is... He's closing in on 60 and says he doesn't look forward to getting retired. His day revolves around work and his friends are there, and it's fun.
You know I work in security and there are some jobs I feel would be well suited for Downs people especially in the office buildings. Some Downs people really routine driven and will see if anything is out of the ordinary. Working with another guard having that type of personality could be very helpful. Sadly I don't know if they could, but if I had to work with someone with Downs as a security guard I would.
I've met a person with autism and discalcula Wich is like dislexia but with numbers who is a better carpenter than most guys I work with he could litteraly guess measurements perfectly right to within a 1/16 inch he is an amazing person as well also a staunch supporter of safety first always busting me on my hands being to close to the saw
What a wonderful man. I just want all the best for him and his daughters.
He needs to get his two daughters to lose weight.
Such a amazing and wonderful dad. This whole family is just amazing.
Epic Dyslexic I agree 100% They are wonderful, the dad is a superb dad 💜
I'm absolutely In love with this family. these girls are so blessed to have a father like this man... wow!
Big kudos to the woman that help them start! JENNIFER DEL BEL. What a beautiful soul. I am so proud of her. Sending you lots of love sister. May your kindness come back to you ten fold. 💘 💘 💘
It certainly will!🙏🙏🙏🙏
Love the candle lady , and what a great dad to want to do all this so his girls can have a job
Just found this!!! Tony, you're an absolutely amazing Dad. Your wife must be looking from heaven and being so proud of how the man she married is taking care of their children. Beautiful family!
I have a special needs daughter. I love her so much and watching this video has made me love her and appreciate her even more if that's possible. Thank you
DL Candles also stands for A Dad's Love :)
He is an outstanding father and deserves a medal !
What an amazing & wonderful man/father he is. Not many men would of looked after 2 Down Syndrome Daughters and start a business on there own. The heartbreak he is still feeling from his wife’s death is so sad. The girls are a complete credit to him.
So cool that the father made his own business to work with his beautiful daughter💗😍
What choice did he really have unless he'd stay at home with her 24hrs a day caring for her? It's sad cause they are "unemployable" 😕
@@jessicaj8564 You're showing your ignorance!
He is still wearing his wedding ring 9 years after her death 😭. Now that is real love. Beautiful family too.
What lucky daughters to have such a wonderful caring dad. They are precious girls, all 3 of them!
This whole video is so full of love. I am overwhelmed with the beauty of this family and the candle woman.
He should get the FATHER'S AWARD for being such a wonderful loving father. So sorry for the loss of your loving wife. GOD BLESS XXX
This dad is just amazing the way he takes care of his daughters. Getting off the topic, Auckland is a very pretty place, and I love the climate. The best of luck to dad and his family.
the scene at the end at the table where Emma and Nicki just start hugging each other is too much -, what a lovely story and family
I’m a Job coach for people with disabilities in USA , they can learn and beak any barriers with love and patience. Great job dad💙🙏🏽👍🏼
You are a jolly good fellow indeed and may Lord God YHVH bless, keep and guide you Always.
@Gregg Venuti,hi brother. You are indeed a very self reliance and independent man. I Salute you and pray God YHVH bless and keep, guide you always.
NB : FATHER GOD YHVH, THE ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT ONE, CREATOR OF THE HEAVEN AND EARTH HEAL AND DELIVER GREGG FROM THIS ILLNESS OF I CONTINENCE. IN JESUS'S NAME, AMEN AND AMEN HALLELUJAH AND PRAISE THE LORD. SHALOM AND GODSPEED, AGAPE.
Dad of the century
What a fantastic man
An amazing family
Real love
LOVE THIS FATHER. THE GIRLS ARE VERY HAPPY WITH HIM. SAD THEIR MOTHER PASSED AWAY, BUT AT LEAST THEY HAVE A VERY LOVING FATHER. GOD BLESS.
What a wonderful, loving family. So sad the wife/mother is no longer with them to see how great Dad & girls are doing, but I'm sure she's smiling down from Heaven. All families should be this tight.
One of the strongest out there, this Dad!
This man is exceptional. What a strong foundation he's created for him & his beautiful children. The world needs to follow this man's example. This is what a real man looks like.
I want to meet him ❤❤
Well said!
i also love how he is firm and clear with his daughters and they life care free
This makes me really happy. As someone who has a disability (Autism) and is young like Emma and Nicki (I'm 21 like Nicki), this is such a good thing for them. Schedules and consistency are essential but also they are learning to make their own income and have their own freedoms which is priceless!! When you are told by doctors and other people the things you can't do it feels so good to do things like working, starting a business, being creative, and traveling.
Amanda Charlebois Wow...........
@Amanda Charlebois Not necessarily. In families like this, they make arrangements with the older children, aunts, uncles, etc. The families that I know, made sure the family home was paid off and that there was money in trust for the children to live in the same house, keep it properly maintained, etc. so they never had to be institutionalized and neglected. Where I live, several businesses make it a point to hire developmentally challenged individuals and pay them a proper wage. They are so proud to be part of "regular" society, make friends, have some money to spend, it makes an enormous difference in their psyche and development. People need to see the positive and this gentleman is doing everything in his power to make this happen and deserves mountains of respect.
Amanda Charlebois - I don’t want to sound insulting or condescending and it might be that you have a learning disorder and don’t realize how much you missed here. It appears that you got the surface of the situation but didn’t grasp the details, thus leading you to a conclusion that is, in fact, grossly incorrect. As he stated in the first half of the video, Emma knows her duties well enough that he only now needs to point her to the next job. And she is still learning. If, God forbid, something were to happen tomorrow then I can think of about 3 people who would continue his legacy. The girls will get to where they need less guidance and can manage most aspects. As far as being burdens on the tax payers, this is not the problem that misguided people might suggest. My cousin is a 65 year old man with Down syndrome. He moved into a group home at 20, when he graduated from high school. My aunt and uncle had bought a large home and had it modified to host 8 special needs individuals and a caregiver of sorts. Additionally, he began working at a greenhouse which also employs special needs individuals. They know their jobs well and the business takes care of itself and has expanded. My cousins, the 2 younger boys (all boys) oversee the trust and their big brother is a huge part of their family and holidays and all that the word family implies.
As far as a burden to society? Being in my 60s, I have voted in favor of several special projects’ funding and the money came out of our pockets. Some continues to come out of my pocket. And it comes out of the tax paying special needs individuals pockets. If a program loses its funding, even when we vote that it should not, the money does not stop coming out of your pocket. It gets siphoned into less honorable.....pockets. But even so, maybe you prefer money set aside for special needs situations be shifted to your pockets or someone else you know. Then get back in school and study then run for office. Are you a college graduate? Is your future funded and guaranteed? If not, you might want to look at your own situation and get your ducks in a row at least as well as this man is lining up his daughters’ future. Because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
@Amanda Charlebois the biggest disability in these girls life is all the people who under estimate their ability.
@@gwenscott535 But the sad truth is, without their dad, they wouldn't know what to do. That's not underestimating them, it's just stating facts. If the dad just up and left one day, those two girls would NOT be okay by themselves.
I think God gave the father Emma and Nicky so that he had someone to care for when his wife passed on. Our lord’s plan is much bigger than ours and this is a perfect example. ❤️
What a beautiful and perfect comment! You're right, God has a plan for everyone that believes in Him.
Amen!!!!
i find that thought disgusting. why would a great god even let her dy??
wow...you spoke we'll...God is love...
@@hannahkugelblitz6488 I understand where youre coming from. But people tend to see things this way to cope with death. It gives them peace to know that evenally everything will work out because its someone elses power doing it. But yes Its not fair she died in the first place. i can think of many times a good person who worships god gets the short end of the stick. But instead of them seeing the negitives they see the positives and lead a happier life. I dont believe in God but I can see how faith gives people strength in difficult times
This dad is the father all fathers should aspire to be like. Wonderful man and beautiful girls. ❤️
Tony is an amazing person. He's been through so much, but still manages to stay positive.
I think that the people who've been through much are those who're the most positive. Otherwise, I'm asking myself, how could they've made it through :)?
Love that Dad 👍 That's what a real Dad does❣️
When I was in grade 4 I made fun of a guy with downsyndrome and i still regret it. Just telling.
You guys are adorable and I love you guys
Everyone in this story has such a beautiful soul - so glad I watched this..
My heart, this is one of the best videos I've ever seen, so much genuine love, these girls are this man's blessing and he is theirs. Love this
I'm a mum of six my youngest has downs syndrome this made me cry happy tears . I'm so happy i saw this. 👍💛
❤
Wishing you & your beautiful family all the best!🔆
Six? Bit greedy. The world's only so big. If everyone had six, society would collapse in a few generations. Three is plenty.
Anyway, you're lucky to have a child blessed with Down's Syndrome. I've never met anyone with Down's who isn't lovely. But plenty of people without it who are unkind.
This was really terrible to see and hear. Not the two children with Downs, but their mother dying from breast cancer.
The whole family are everyday heroes!
When you know their life history, you can see the sorrow in his eyes.
I hope for a good life for them, and for everybody else in a similar situation.
I love this story. This dad and the lady who helped the dad with this candle company is "AWESOME". God Bless this family.
My jaw dropped when he said he lost his wife. My hat goes off to this man. What a wonderful person and fantastic father! Very beautiful family ❤️❤️❤️
Bless this man....and best of luck to him and his children.
Positive attitude sure helped me when I was left with two small children God bless him and his children
perfect father and perfect family ...I really love them ...god bless them
This was easily the most positive and inspiration thing I have seen in a LONG time. Thank you for the reminder that we have a choice to be positive or negative...and I am going to choose to be positive! Tony Sykes...you are a an amazing Dad! Good on you!!!!
I was crying 1 minute into the video. THIS is a real man. Looking after his family no matter what life throws. Brilliant family ❤
I can’t stop crying and admiring of how strong of a dad you are! You are so blessed in many ways! You got 2 angels that love you so much!
Awwww rest in love to your precious wife. You are doing an amazing job for your family. Much respect also good on your eldest daughter for being much help as well she's amazing too.
My sister has down syndrome and I love her unconditionally 🇯🇲
Shawnee Scorpion likewise.
People only say the love someone unconditionally when referring to someone nice. Your sister is obviously a lovely person. You wouldn't say the same if Adolf Hitler were your sibling. It's a dumb remark.
They are so pure
Hakuna Matata they are ..
They're just a normal family. Nothing special about them
This warmed my heart so much..... What a beautiful person this father is and what a lesson he teaches all of us. Thank you for sharing this story - much love to this family!
I won't forget this beautiful family. This man's strong attitude and enornous heart will live in my mind and inspire me.
Love
This is so lovely, I wish I could know you all! Your daughters are pure love and light in a world that needs more of it. !
What a beautiful family! And Dad's brilliant idea for a business that Emma and Nicki will have an income for life from is amazing. And the fact that they will hire workers with disabilities is awesome.
What makes you think they will have an income for life. This isn't a Disney movie. This family will continue to have challenges as time goes on.
@@vikki4now - Are Disney movies the only things you respond positively to? FFS - get off your high horse. How about a high-five for a Dad who's thinking outside the box and trying to come up with a creative solution to help his challenged daughters to be somewhat self-sufficient.
13:07 I almost cry..I feel his pain.so proud of u ..(dad)
There is so much love in this story,I cried thank you for being such a great dad!
Shareen Wood balling my eyes😁😭
You have precious daughters in the world and you are the precious father in the world.
What an amazing amazing strong man and what lovely sweet girls.
He's awesome! My 3 year old has down syndrome and she has such a big heart, but wow some days she can tire me out in a hr. He's such a amazing Dad.
What a wonderful man!!!! We all know the problems with older children having Down Syndrome,but not once he mentions them. He made this video with such respect for his children. How can this video have 193 hands down .... There is nothing here but love.
Can't hold my tears while watching this their dad was awesome the man like him should incarnate more times by this way his soul spread love for those who need it...
This man is a saint! GOD bless him!
What a beautiful family , I’m so proud of this amazing father 🌈
How did anyone with a heart ♥️ give a thumbs down??
Beautiful story 🌈🌈🌈🌈💕💕💕
Sorry about your loss. Love your family and beautiful connection. Only the best to you all♥️
What an incredible human being. His wife is looking down on them and would be so proud of what hes done. Beautiful story, brought tears to my eyes. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! love from florida!!
A video which brings more light to the world .What a terrific family *
Ive heard from a special ed teacher, that DS kids are so very loving & honest w/their feelings & also physically stronger than others.... . Its fascinating how this dad has done so well.....the girls are blessed.
They are but that unfortunately won't help them getting a job :/
What a beautiful but heartbreaking story. I am so sad he lost his wife!!!! What a beautiful family!!!!!
What an amazing Dad, I have so much respect for him and the girl’s sister
Beutiful family ❤❤❤❤in love with them
What a joy to watch! Wouldn't the world be an amazing place if every child had a father like Tony? In his eyes, I can see God.
God bless and help this man. My husband abandoned me and our 2 small daughters meanwhile this man lost his wife and raises his 2 daughters with DS, alone. I am glad to see there are still real men out there.
Stop being so bitter
Dad. You are beautiful. You are amazing. I had a baby sister with down syndrome who passed away recently. I miss her dearly. Most people do not know what a true blessing it is to have someone with down syndrome in their life. They are so full of innocence and love. You have my love and respect!
THE GIRLS ALSO HAVE A VERY LOVING OLDER SISTER THAT ADORES THEM. GOD BLESS HER.
This is such an inspirational video. Such a great dad, holding it all together after the tragic loss of his wife and he is doing a brilliant job of raising and taking care of his beautiful family. The world needs more men like this in it. Sending much love and an abundance of beautiful blessings to every single one of them! ❤
Great dad holding it all together after the tragic loss off his wife he is doing a great job of raising his beautiful girls Lovely loving family sending love to this lovely family
The girls are so lucky to
have a wonderful dad like that, who truly loves them and is doing so much for all disabled kids & adults.
You can see how full of love the girls are, & how joyful they are. They're all blessed
Heaven had some angels needing a home, and they found the perfect family for them. Way to go Tony, your 3 daughters and son, may you have everlasting peace.
Oo
What a lovely story. That father deserves a medal for what he is doing for his beautiful girls
I am a widow with 2 children.... I know how he feels God Bless him and his children. 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐
These girls have so much hugs and loves to give. And so are all of Down syndrome individuals that I have met. They do not judge. They are so loving and I can’t say that about normal people. Amazing father and such a beautiful family. Wish u all the best. 💕
I love the name, "DownLights"...perfect and so fitting!
Janet Browning I’m so high and this really made me laugh
My cheeks hurt I could not stop smiling! Love you Emma and Nicki, you are so pretty! Good souls all round. x
Best scene: that warm genuine hug between the girls on the bench on a windy day,🤗