The Crayon Box

We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box. Robert Fulghum

 My little sprite has made a place for herself in this world for 3 1/2 short years.  We learn daily how she has touched someone's life around the grounds.  Caretakers, teachers, and other staff frequently stop to speak, wave, give her a kiss, or to let her know she is special.
She is known, celebrated, and loved.   My almond-shaped eye, button nose, wispy hair little girl has made a positive impact on those she has lived in the "same box" with for 3 1/2 years. 
She is making a difference.

Our weather is taking a cold, wet spell this week and I know we'll be inside more.  Pulling out a new box of crayons, I wanted to see what she would do.  Infatuated with the bright colors, she was up for making any line, using any hand, and any color on the page.  She even was particular of making certain the crayons were neatly placed in the box.

Yesterday afternoon, she walked into her groupa area early and we had 30 minutes left until our taxi arrived.  Normally, we wait at our familiar table outside, but because of the rain we sat on the steps.  Of course, that was not good enough for the caretakers.  One asked us a question, of which Andy replied,"I don't speak russian," in Russian.  That always throws people for a loop.  She laughed and then motioned if we are there for a baby.  I said,"Da, (and used her given name),"  A look of surprise registered, she walked on, and brought us two chairs.  After that, we could still her Sarah's name being talked about inside another groupa's room.


Over here, surprise and questions have been asked multiple times.
Why do you want to adopt a Down's syndrome child?
Do you not know the amount of extra care and concern they require?


Sarah has a diagnosis of Down syndrome, but she is more than those two words.  Sarah is full of curiousity, vigor, a zest for life, and spontaneity.  She is eager to learn, and watches your mouth, your hands, and your face to copy what she sees.  She has learned signs, and is beginning to speak a few English words in the short time we've been visiting.  She also has her own ideas, and will see what all she can get away with in our visits.

Mostly, she is infatuated with birds, cats, and dogs.  Nothing will ever change her mind about birds.  They must want to be touched or why would they be on the ground every day.
Why do they always fly away when I get near? 


This is the Sarah we've come to love and celebrate. The toddler who has learned to giggle, pucker up for a kiss, throw her arms around you for a hug, and knows the best place for a book to be read is in her mama's lap.

Yes, Down syndrome is a part of Sarah.  But, it's not who she is.

She is a life worthy of love.

P.S.  It's 2:30pm our time and we do not have a court time for tomorrow.  

A little anxiety is setting in...

P.P.S  At 8pm, we learned our court time for May 4th is 3pm.