The Trista Series 5/7: Jackie, Friend

(THE TRISTA SERIES 5/7: Jackie, Friend)

I remember the call like it was yesterday. The excitement in my teaching friend, Rebecca’s voice over the news of her beautiful new baby girl was something I will never forget. As Rebecca described her first-born baby’s blond hair, blue eyes, and beautiful skin, Rebecca then informed me that her daughter had Down Syndrome. What I remember about this revelation was that Rebecca told me with the same inflection of the description as the other traits. I was impressed that both Joe and Rebecca would not let the addition of one chromosome get in the way of two parents’ responsibilities of becoming the best parents. Soon, I was in the hospital with my friend, holding Trista, and feeling a special bond with a girl that to this day, has become someone I learn from, and marvel at, every single day. I want to concentrate my words on how with the support of her mother, Trista accepted the responsibility of independent living.

Not all people with Down syndrome can live on their own. Like other obstacles placed in front of Trista and her family, she systematically addressed what she needed to do until she was able to accomplish the dream of living on her own.

I am currently a realtor. My work as a realtor requires that I know my clients. I knew what Trista needed, from transportation, proximity to her church and her father’s grave, and shopping. We started by renting a unit in what we thought was the perfect location. After two years of learning to love this area and condominium complex, our contract to purchase was accepted. Today, the young lady I held in my arms over 30 years ago, is a business owner, a homeowner, and a responsible member of the Mt. Pleasant Community.

#TheLuckyFew #TheLuckyFewFoundation #DownSyndrome #ThisIsDownSyndrome