Community: We All Need It

Unexpected Community

This past weekend we had our annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk here in the South Houston area. Some dear friends attended with us. There is just something wonderful about having people who will walk with you (literally and figuratively!) and embrace your child for who they are! We certainly feel blessed to have family and friends who are doing life with us – some of whom have been doing so for many years. This aspect of life is so vitally important:

Community.

It’s one of the beautiful things that come along with having a child with Down syndrome, or any diagnosis really – at least there is great potential for community. It can be very overwhelming, at first, to have a child with any kind of extra needs. But getting connected to others in similar circumstances is crucial for thriving in the everyday.

We have discovered a whole world that has opened up to us as a result of Ellen’s life. It’s a funny thing. Once you are connected to a person who has a diagnosis, your eyes are suddenly opened to a whole population of people you may not have otherwise noticed or engaged. This has certainly been our experience.

Our lives have grown so much richer from the relationships we have made with all those who have entered our lives because of Ellen.

It started with her physical therapist at 7 weeks old, and then her occupational therapist, speech therapist, and so on. Next, it was day care teachers, preschool and elementary teachers and paraprofessionals, and bus drivers – each making an impact that will last a lifetime. Currently, it is Special Olympics, our local Down syndrome support group (GHFEDS), and special education teachers, as well as all the parents and families we have the privilege of being connected to. These are the people who we are doing life with, as Ellen grows in independence and involvement.

Life-Giving Community

The friends Ellen has made along the way – particularly of late – have brought such joy to her, and consequently to us! It is a blessing to see our daughter living like a typical teenager: going to birthday parties, participating in sports, and laughing away with friends on the phone. This has honestly felt like a long time coming. As her mom, I am so grateful for this season of high school life.

And the parents… I am in awe of the parents I meet all the time – specifically, those who have children with diagnoses and challenges of various kinds. They are my heroes! I witness them working day-in and day-out to research, find resources, and provide quality of life for their incredible children.

Ya’ll. If you notice someone in your community who appears to have unique physical needs or differing abilities, would you consider saying “hello” to that individual? And if you have the time, even carry on a conversation, however brief? This simple gesture will show tremendous value. It is a way of saying, “I see you and you have worth.” In the same way, when you are out and about, and you see a parent who is navigating some extra responsibilities with their child, a smile and a kind greeting can change their day. I promise. You never know the weight they are carrying 24/7. A moment of interaction with you might just help lift the burden a little.

No matter who you are, whether or not you have a child with a diagnosis, we all need community.  Let’s BE that community – for each other and for those around us. It might just change a life!