May / June 2004
Volume 22, Number 3

As a Partner in Policy Making, Class of 2003 member, and future advocate, my first homework assignment from our weekend of thought provoking presentations was to write “Thank You” notes to our presenters. What a simple, yet powerful, ripple effect idea. All too often, we, as care providers, find ourselves preparing for battles, researching, analyzing, searching for more information… but not often enough taking the time to be truly thankful for what we HAVE. It has been my resolution, ever since, to take the time to make sure that I appreciate how fortunate I am to have two beautiful daughters and to thank those who help them become who they are. In fact, when strangers approach me and comment on how sweet Maddie is, unintentionally not noticing Cassandra, I always reply, “Yes, I am SO lucky to have TWO great girls”.

Giving thanks is just one of many practices that has changed the way I approach meetings and parenthood in general. Even though we have not always seen eye to eye, I have written notes of thanks to our CSE chair, Maddie’s principal, therapists, teachers...and I believe that it truly makes a difference. Unfortunately all too often, these professionals never receive the thanks that they may deserve. Call it schmultzing, investing…I call it plain, common courtesy - what I want from all the people who touch the lives of both of my girls.

Dr. Wayne Dyer says that the positive energy that we put out, we get back in return. I am living proof of the truthfulness behind this philosophy. All Down Syndrome Aim High members know about the new parent and prenatal packets that are available for parents. Well, that very packet was truly a lifesaver for Jim and I when Maddie was born. Like far too many parents, when we were told the news about Madison, the well-intentioned hospital staff handed us an antiquated and insulting photocopy of an entry from an OLD encyclopedia. It was all they had. When Dr. Perkins at Albany Medical Center sent us home with the Aim High packet, we devoured it, and the knowledge gave us power. Well, just recently, a Partner from Long Island called to ask me for help. A family near her just had a baby with Down syndrome. Digging through my supply of folders to hand out at our local hospitals, I quickly dropped a new parent packet in the mail and attached some pictures of Maddie with our contact information. This is part of the e-mail I received in return:

I received your extremely thoughtful package yesterday. Naturally I opened it at home before passing it on to my friend “Flora”. I watched the video and found it to be profoundly inspirational. All of the misconceived notions for new parents were addressed. I was so excited, I immediately got in my car and drove to “Flora’s” house to give it to her.

I really can't thank you enough. She and the baby were literally sent home from the hospital with a hard-core sheet of paper outlining all the possible health risks, and the sheet had absolutely nothing outlining the positives. Of course, she was scared to death. The video will put many of her fears to rest.

I am grateful for organizations like the Advocacy Center and Partners in Policy Making, the Down Syndrome Resource Center, and Aim High for up to date information and parents we can call in a heart beat. And I am thankful that because of all of this, I am able to share what I have with others.