Cuddles, smiles, laughter, tears and struggles are some common experiences of parents as their children grow into adulthood.
Kellie Anderson shared some of those experiences regarding her three children whom she loves deeply. World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 gave this opportunity for Kellie to describe those specifically with regard to her daughter, Raina, a beautiful, lively, smart little seven-year-old girl.
Kellie’s journey landed her in Carlyle in 1997 where she has lived, worked, raised her family and built great friendships. Although her husband has worked in the oilfield and on pipelines far from home, he was her rock when Raina was born and all through the process of learning how to parent a child having Down syndrome.
“At first I was afraid and grieving,” Kellie said. “I didn’t know how I would care for her and the doctors just give you all the bad news. They focus on all the problems you will face for the rest of your child’s life.”
At first, Kellie felt overwhelmed, but she said, “If I could go back and chose to have a child without a disability, I wouldn’t do it.”
Taking the time to research the condition gives the basic understanding that Down syndrome individuals are born with one extra chromosome added to the 21st pair of the 46 pairs of chromosomes in their body. When researchers show the pairs of chromosomes, they look like little socks, hence the slogan Rock Your Socks for this day of celebration and awareness.
Accordingly, the date of March 21 corresponds to the third month for the third chromosome and the 21st day is for the 21st pair of chromosomes.
Even though people with Down syndrome may look and act similar, each person is at a different spot on the range of severity of symptoms. Just like those without Down syndrome, they also have their own wonderful personalities. Amderson will tell you, “Raina loves school, loves people her own age and loves routine but she is a little jokester. She will always try to make you laugh.”
Presently, Raina is in Justine Kyle’s Grade 2 class and Yvonne Loustel is her educational assistant.
“She is amazing!” Kellie exclaimed. “I am so grateful for her and Raina loves her. She has been with Raina since she was three years old in the playschool program.”
One thing that is crucial for special needs children, and Raina in particular, is to have consistency and routine. Research shows that when students are attached to the individuals teaching them, they learn at an increased rate than if there is no relationship.
Raina is considered remarkably high functioning except for her speech. She uses American sign language, the Pex Program and just trying to speak her words as she learns every child’s basic skills. She knows and can say all the letters of the alphabet, the colours and is working on numbers one to 10. She knows the first seven.
“The Saskatchewan Down Syndrome Society has been my saving grace,” Kellie explained.
People and resources have been available to help Raina and her family in so many ways. Although living in a city seems to have many more opportunities for programs for Down syndrome individuals, Kellie would not change things at all.
“Carlyle is the most amazing community to raise a family, and everyone here treats Raina like any other child, with smiles, care, inclusion and friendship.”
As with most parents wanting the best for their children, Kellie explained how she will advocate for Raina as she grows and learns through the school system and into adulthood.
“There seemed to be so much support available before school and once you are in the school system, you work within those guidelines. I will fight for Yvonne to work with Raina all through her school years to build on that great relationship and give foundation to her learning,” Kellie said.
Anyone who has ever known a Down syndrome individual knows the precious power of that relationship in their own personal growth as a human being. Slowing down, seeing beauty in things, hugging, singing, dancing and love, oh the love experienced in those relationships is truly beyond what words can describe.
With a smile and a sigh, Kellie ended the interview with these words, “I would never wish that Raina had been born without her disability. I have grown as a mother, as an adult and as a human. She is teaching me and for that I am truly blessed.”
