So, most mornings, before my walk, I check emails while drinking my "C" for the day (not coffee--VITAMIN C), think about blogging now that THAT is an added addiction, feed the kitties, etc. etc. etc. --mostly the same daily routine before sunrise. And, I check the news clippets at Yahoo.
If anything intersts me, I click on the link to get the whole story.
Well, today there was one particular item that touched home.
"Man With Down Syndrome Turns Fitness Coach". My oldest grandson was born with Down's. Tho his life span at the time of birth was only 5 years, he just recently turned 17. At the age of 5 months, he had open heart surgery, (born with heart problems including holes in his heart that were repaired with Teflon™). I do remember, tho still through a fog, since it was a traumatic instance in my life to actually have a grandson!---then to have to come to a realization and live the possiblity of losing this precious gift so soon! Anyway, through it all (which we later learned that he did 'die' on the operating table, but, by the grace of a loving god, brought back to life during the surgery)--and, he survives.
Now if anyone knows a smidgen of what Down Syndrome is, you also know that these special people are the most loving, sweetest, kindest!! If the whole world had Down's the world would be the best place to live!!! I just can't begin to describe the caring and love these people hold within their hearts and minds. Yes, they're slow in learning and speech...some must use sign language to get by at the beginning. But they ARE functional!! They are a special kind!! I wish the common, ordinary citizen would treat them as one of their own, instead of shunning away because they're different. But, that's my opinion---and if you don't live or know someone with special needs, you will never understand.
In 2006, our grandson is considered a high functioning Down's 'patient'. He has a job. He continues his school work -tho at a much lower 'grade level' than his age. Which is okay. He loves his family, literally, with all his soul!! He wants everyone to be happy. AND!! He shows great interest in everything a boy should -- sports, movies, video games, reading, outdoors, camping, fishing - even the birds and bees (hehehehe, your day is coming daughter--fair warning! *wink*)....and his church!! Amazing, don't you think? Especially at 17.
I remember back in 1989, just weeks after our grandson was born, when he was just a babe, there was a new seasonal television show called Life Goes On...about a boy (played by Chris Burke) with Down Syndrome and his family, allowing "Corky", the Down's character to mainstream in society and school. Ironic, huh? Somebody, up there *looking above me, high into the heavens* was telling us something!!
Oh, and one more thing...during his open heart surgery, I sat down during the long hours of what lies ahead, waiting--- and on a piece of newspaper during the operation--I logged a poem. I still have the poem. In fact I have it on my website also. It's dedicated to him.
POEM NOT TO BE COPIED OR STOLEN.
PUBLISHED © 1989
COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
weirdbunny * Carmen * Lazy Daisy * MaR * rena * Pat Paulk * Granny * Melli * craziequeen * * Penrick * Pixie *
12 Comments:
I have a freind who's got downs syndrome, and he's just the loveliest person you could wish to meet.
I like your new black and white home. :)
I'm so happy that your grandson lived up to your poem.
Beautiful poem and post. Dale Evans wrote a book years ago called "Angels unaware" about their daughter with Downs. What they lack in one area they overcome with unconditional love. You are blessed to have such a wonderful young man in your life.
What a beautiful post!
There is a local soap in Catalonian television and one of the characters is a sweet young man with Down Syndrome. He is amazing! And I think the fact that he is in the cast has changed the public opinion regarding these children/young adults. It is a small local step!
There is woman with Down's in our church; she has the entire New Testament memorized and walks out love to everyone, including strangers, better than anyone! She's an inspiration. Your poem is lovely. I enjoyed visiting and will definitely be back. Thanks for your kind comments on mine.
A very beautiful poem! We went to Pnanma City a few years ago. In the condo next to us was a family from Tennessee whose son had Downs. The loving interaction between parents, siblings and grandparents made our vacation one of the best we've ever had.
Society is changing but slowly.
I remember the show well.
My oldest great-granddaughter has c.p. She's high functioning as well; some learning disability but she's doing well.
It's hard when people stare.
That's beautiful Wys! And yep... those Downs people ARE very special people! Not a negative bone in their bodies. I have worked with so many of these special children when I was at the elementary school... and SOME at the high school - but not as much. They really are wonderful wonderful people!
Evening Oh Wystful Lady....
I have worked with Down's Syndrome children, but the ones I had were a lot more serious than here and in full time care. Totally out of control, no conscious thought or deed, going completely on instinct.
Even so, the rewards of working with them, as with all the special children at the home, were immense.
And, oh Wystful One, need you wonder? You got the answer right :-)
cq
OMG, what an inspiring & beautiful post!!! I love the poem, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! :o)
Thanks for sharing - this is so special and precious.
That was a beautiful poem! What a blessing that your grandson came through his surgery. He sounds like a lovely person. :-)
I too wish people wouldn't be so "weird" around anyone with disabilities. I've always been up front with my kids on that God made some people very special & they are not to be made fun of or be afraid of. They are really no different & should be treated the same as everyone else. "Life Goes On" was one of my favorite shows.
While preg w/my youngest one of my tests came back with a high rish of him having DS. The Dr wanted me to have more tests ran; which had high risks of miscarriages. We said no, whatever happens happens & I'll never forget what the nurse said to me. She said "If you knew for sure you could choose not to carry the baby to term." I wish I had taken the time to report her but at the time I was too dumbstruck to think clearly. Stupid nurse!
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