Once Lily was officially home with us, we began taking her to weekly sign and music programs aimed specifically for parents and children with special needs. The majority of children attending the program along with us had a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, so it felt a little bit like walking into our own special clubhouse. Because our placement had happened so quickly, I was still working for a couple of weeks before I started my parental leave, so the first week Jess had to attend on her own (if you get a chance someday, ask her how she thinks I tricked her into going!). Sometimes I think that was for the best, because when I finally did get to go I felt completely intimidated by all of these other parents who seemed so sure of themselves that I found it hard to be myself. Jess however joined in the best way that she knows how and when she came home that day told me all about it and then started telling me about Levi.
Levi is a little boy right around Lily’s age and even as just a tiny boy then he charmed the pants off of Jess. It didn’t hurt that his mom, Jessica, was also just incredibly warm and welcoming and didn’t mind that Jess was fawning all over Levis’ contagious smile. Throughout our journey, I’ve kept Levi and his family in my mind – they are just an amazing example of how, if we don’t limit what our children are exposed to and what they can try, than the world is open to them. Levi is just another member of his family (although still arguably the cutest one in our opinion), but continually amazes me when I hear what he’s up to next. From learning to use an abacus, to becoming a big brother, to running in his first race, the pure joy on his face sends joy through my heart. In fact, I suspect for these very reasons, their family has been working with Special Olympics Canada to create a series of Public Service Announcements about their program and the amazing things that it allows kids to do.
This year, I reached out to Jessica to see if she would share with us about Levi and their journey. This is what she had to say:
My name is Jessica and my husband Sean and I have a 5 year old son named Levi with Down syndrome. Levi has a great sense of humour. He is very helpful, compassionate and thoughtful (takes after his daddy). He loves dinosaurs, animals, and music, especially rock and roll!When Levi was born and we were in the hospital we shared a room with another new mom. She overheard my conversations with my family that were full of worry and sadness at the time and she said to us, “I have worked with children with Down syndrome for more than 10 years and I want you to know you’ve been given a gift!” She was so genuine, like she knew something we didn’t. From that moment on she changed our perspective from one of sadness to one of hope and positivity. Since then we haven’t looked back! Levi has always and will continue to inspire us and teach us what it is to persevere. He is our gift and fills our home with joy and love!
The truth is, every parent looking at a Down Syndrome diagnosis reacts a different way – it’s just as personal as any other emotion. However, the common thread seems to be that we all end up at the same place: acceptance of a life that is just as incredible as any vision we may ever have had. Jessica, Levi and their family were just the first ones that we met that started to show that the thread existed.
