When I was pregnant with Charlotte Grace I happened to discover an amazing show, Call the Midwife. I would binge watch, feet propped, munching Sour Punch Straws all the live-long day. I think what drew me in was the beautiful way the writers seem to find those outliers in society-the ones who are marginalized, judged and often outcasted and give us glimpses into their lives to create such wonderful compassion for them. I also may have had a fascination of the birth stories since I had not experienced natiral birth with Aubrie and was so hopeful for a natural delivery with C.G. (which I was miraculously blessed to have…I swear everyone in the hospital looked at me like a unicorn for being allowed to have a VBAC).
I digress.
In season 6 episode 5 a new character is introducted; Reggie. Reggie has Down syndrome and I immediately was drawn to his character. He is loving and considerate and gentle. And he loves his mama. Who wouldn’t love him? His vibrant red hair and quaint framed glasses may have had my heart immediately anyway. In the 1950’s based story, Reggie’s mom passes and Reggie, likely in his 20s, is sent to live with his closest of kin, an uncle who is one of the supporting characters. Reggie goes to him for daily caretaking- food, clothing, housing. It was simply understood because in those days, many people with Down syndrome were unable to work . Not because they weren’t capable but because people often misunderstood them. They didn’t know how early intervention of speech and physical therapies can alter the projection of their lives. They didn’t see that their gentle-calmness didn’t mean “unable”. They didn’t yet know exclusion wasn’t the best option. Or, maybe, it was simply because of the worry of the stress work would have put on their, then, fragile bodies. I recall watching “Reggie” and his gentle way of speaking to others. I remember thinking how glad I was to live in an age where people with ability differences are given more than a diagnosis and a timeline for life. Though, unfortunately, that old way of thinking still does sometimes occur.
Of course, at the time I was so immersed in the show, I had no idea exactly just how glad I was for this generation’s understanding because we weren’t yet aware of Charlotte’s Down syndrome. We had no clue what life was about to bring us-the joy of this charished baby girl.
Today, people with Down syndrome have a lifespan of about 60 years (in 1950 it was just 12-15 years). In Charlotte’s life I look forward to that number increasing to match the rest of society.
Today, people with Down syndrome often live on their own, fully supporting themselves with paying jobs they are qualified for because they have training or certificates or college degrees thanks to people like Melissa Rodriquez Pantoja and Holly Rogers Hoffman at University of Houston who teach adults with disabilities. Also, an unimaginable number of community nonprofits spend their lives trying to work toward this goal with people who have all kinds of ability differences. Easter Seals, Home Place Of Texas, Reach Unlimited, Special Angels (to name a few)
Today, people with Down syndrome enjoy healthy relationships and even get married. They are grocers, baristas, actresses, crafters, chefs, business-owners. They are friends, sisters and husbands and wives.
Tomorrow, what else could be possible?
Please support Down Syndrome Awareness by supporting the non-profits that provide the resources and care to make these dreams possible.
Please make a donation today to support our girl. Donate to our team here!
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