trisomy 21

Every time genetic disorders such as Trisomy 21 (also known as down syndrome) come up in any of my biology classes, they talk about this: a single line running across the palm of your hand known as a simian crease or a single transverse palmar crease. Apparently it is a sign of Down syndrome and I am one of the lucky few to have one and not have Down syndrome. 

Once, I was sitting in a class and the TA was telling everyone about the signs of Down syndrome. He said one way to tell if someone has Down syndrome was to check their hands for a line that goes straight across. Then he said, "I have never met someone who has this line and does not have Down syndrome." I looked down at my hands, remembered that I do indeed have a simian crease, and awkwardly looked at the people sitting next to me to see if they'd noticed. Sure enough, a guy sitting next to me noticed my hand, quickly looked at my face, then eagerly raised his hand. "SHE HAS IT!" Perfect. I never expected to hold/touch hands with that many boys (and girls) in my life, let alone one day. 

When I do something strange, say things that don't make sense, or lose the ability to focus on things, I sometimes wonder if there is something wrong with me and if it is connected to my "simian crease". From what I've found out (from wikipedia and other probably not so reliable sites) people with a simian crease generally achieve and accomplish more than most people. They usually develop techniques and inventions that last for generations. Which makes me think of my brother Cory and his inventing. (He is also privileged to have cool hands like I do)

Apparently, Robert De Niro, Tony Blair, and Hillary Clinton have a simian crease, BUT best of all I found out that a certain Mr. Dwight Schrute has a simian crease as well. I'm in good company.


 You can see it in this picture...