DSAM- Down Syndrome Acceptance Month 2014-Day 31 Ahh, the last day of this year’s daily posts for Down Syndrome Acceptance/Awareness Month. What a fun month it has been! I hope I have provided you with new information about DS, an insight into our lives and what it can be like to have someone with DS in a family. I have to laugh as I look back at the month. I have had some comments, indirectly, that during this month people like myself portray DS only in wonderful terms, only giving the glittery parts and not showing what DS is like during tough times. I look at it this way: there are thousands of accounts by others but many of the time their accounts are based on hearsay, false and outdated information and stereotypes. I won’t deny that not every day is rosy and great when your child has a disability. But I have 4 other kids that showed me that not every day was rosy with them - nor was I a model child, either. Instead of dwelling on what Rebecca cannot do or won’t ever be able to do, I have always focused on what she is capable of and will shoot for the stars for her future. I am a “half glass full” kind of person and plan to keep it that way. Besides, most days with Rebecca ARE filled with glittery, rewarding and loving moments given by a child that expects nothing in return. Today was the last elementary school Halloween party for Rebecca and after 22 straight years, my last one, too. I worked furiously to finish her Elsa dress since I waited for the last minute, broke my machine and then had to search around to borrow one, but I finished at midnight last night. The look on her face made it all worth it. It fits her perfectly. The girls in her class told her how pretty she looked and she responded not with her typical “Yeah” but with “Thank you!” The kids were divided into two large groups to play the games. When Rebecca gathered with the group she was assigned to, she hung out from them, unsure of how to join in. Then along came, Tiffany, the adorable spitfire I mentioned yesterday. She left her own cluster, spoke briefly with Rebecca then drew her into the group stating, “Rebecca is in your group, too.” At that point, another friend pulled her into the thick of things and they partnered up to play a game. Tiffany returned to play in her group game. No big deal, no interference by me or the teacher, just friends looking out for friends. This represents tremendous growth for Rebecca and her classmates over the years. Early parties were spent watching the others’ play, only occasionally attempting to do a craft or interact with them. This year she truly was one of the gang. I just received a note from Rebecca’s LDR teacher. She sent a picture taken during today’s art class. While Rebecca’s drawing skills continue to be a challenge, she is always given the opportunity to participate in the class assignment, which is then modified if needed. Mrs. Wagner, the art teacher, recognized that today’s drawing session might be a particularly challenging activity so to keep her fully engaged, she gave Rebecca the option to be the model. Rebecca accepted this important role and hopped onto the table as directed to pose. She sat very still on the stool and held Mrs. Wagner’s hand for stability but never hesitated. I am so proud of her! These two examples show how working day to day to keep Rebecca fully included in school takes creativity, perseverance and trust in all areas. Thank you for all of the feedback, comments and for reading my daily posts. I live the “DS awareness and acceptance” every day, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, share stories and make a new friend if you can.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 20:33:47 +0000