Luigia and Fiona

Today Luigia made a friend at the playground. She is a sweet two year-old named Fiona. She had spotted Luigia a few days ago and had come over with a huge smile that invited her to play. But Luigia, being her usual extreemely bashful self, turned to me and screeched to get picked up. This morning, Luigia was busy drawing with some chalk when Fiona saw her. She came over; Luigia looked up at her and smiled. They sat and drew together, exchanged chalk; then they went on the swings together (Fiona "had " to sit in the swing next to Luigia's). Finally, they took turn going down the slide.
I had been trying to get Luigia to socialize more with other children her age. Even though she is very friendly with adults, she has always exhibited fear of other children. Why is that? Does she not trust them? Does she not trust her ability to get away fast enough if needed? Is it because she cannot communicate very much yet? Whatever the answers are, today was wonderful proof that patience is all it takes. When I was swinging Luigia, I told Fiona's babysitter, Rosa, that Luigia never played with another child for such a long time before. Rosa told me that Fiona was the same way, but that when she saw Luigia the other day, she told her "I want to play with her." Maybe all Luigia needed was to find someone with her sensitivity...

March 21st: World Down's Syndrome Day

To promote the general public's awareness of people with Down Syndrome in our community, March 21st has been chosen to be World Down's Syndrome Day. Let us celebrate their lives on this special day and celebrate on every day of the year...Happy hugging, kissing and loving.