More Than A Label

Excerpts of Stories by or About Persons with Down Syndrome

My son Danny was born eight and a half years ago and he has brought more sunshine and joy into my life than I ever dreamed possible. Yes, he was born with Down syndrome, and yes, that created some major problems. However, not to have Danny as he is would be totally unthinkable, because Danny is my son first and foremost and that is what matters the most to me.

When the doctors first told me that my son had Down syndrome, I was very angry and confused. This was not ever because he was born, but rather because I would literally have to change my way of thinking. I had always felt that I was never really good at dealing with people with special needs (I was not comfortable with them), even though I had trained as a Health Care Worker and had worked for two years at a facility for the mentally handicapped. I guess I could handle it there because I was not personally involved. But when my own child was born with special needs, I had to either accept the gift that God had given me or give the baby away. Giving Danny away was never an option and so life went on.

Because Danny was "labelled" right from birth as having Down syndrome, I have found it much easier to cope with being a full-time working single mother. I have found that the "label" has opened many doors for Danny and me, especially during the younger years when I seemed to require a break more often. I applied for respite care and got it without any hassles. When Danny was smaller, thanks to the "label," he was able to receive special training and workers, again without any hassles. And because of the "label," when Danny started school he was automatically eligible for an aide.

Some people think that the "labelling" of a child will be harmful to him, but to me it has been a blessing in disguise. I have met some very wonderful people that I would not have otherwise met if Danny had not been "labelled." No matter what people say and argue, there can be no denying the fact that with the "label" comes the support of society and many families that have the same shared bond.

Danny continues to bring joy and love into my life. I have learned that I can have dreams for my son, just not the original ones. In a lot of ways they are better dreams, more realistic ones.

I have come to realize how much I have to be grateful for. Danny is happy and is physically very healthy and he is doing well in school - grade four this year. He enjoyed three years in Beavers, where he has made some friends. He loves to swim, read books, listen to tapes, watch videos, play baseball and play with his friends. He enjoys bowling and has even won four medals!

Life has become much easier now that Danny is older, mainly because he is doing more things on his own. He dresses himself, plays on his own using his imagination, helps me in the kitchen, and sometimes makes his bed in the morning. As always, Danny continues to be very loving. I would not change my life for anything, because it is good, and I know now that I can handle the ups and downs that come with having Danny as a son.