Madame Drew

I've got some wonderful photos from today at work. I'm a special needs assistant and the day-camp I work with went on long walk today. However Drew, the girl I work with, stopped smack dab in the middle of the road so we turned around :). We went back to the house and played and we had a fabulous time doing so. That's when I took the pictures because no one was around and because my boss would probably think it was inappropriate to take photos of the campers with out consent forms...because every little thing is inappropriate when you are dealing with other people's kids.


Drew has Downs Syndrome. She makes my life. I'm not her regular helper, but when hers is out I usually get the pleasure of being her special needs assistant.

Drew loves dinosaurs, singing, swinging and playing in the water. She wears purple Crocks that remind me of Barney the Dinosaur's feet. She knows my name, and says it often, which is very special to me, as she doesn't make it a point to remember people's names and if she does remember them she sure doesn't say them. Drew asks her parents at home "where's Katie???". Drew asks for me when I'm not at day camp, and she sometimes runs to me with a hug, or to hold hands. When I'm with her sometimes she will point to me and say "it's Katie!". It makes me glow from the inside out. Drew makes my heart burst with joy.













Drew has certain routines. One of the most prominent ones is a sequence of questions.

"W-w-wanna go home?"
-"after"-
"M-m-mom?"
-"after"-
"Where's daddy?"
-"at the barn"
"yaa" (with a smile)

When she ends the routine and knows where her family is she replies "yaa" in a voice that is drawn out like a sigh and very relieved. Every time she does it I feel that all is safe and right in the world and I too feel relieved.

She is frightened of flying insects, and she throws fits in bathroom stalls. She HATES her hair touched and she does not like putting sunscreen on her face. She always forgets the soap when washing her hands (but I remind her :) ), Drew likes to ROAR when she has an abundance of boredom or extra energy and jump up and down waving her hands like a fledgeling trying to fly. Sometimes she throws toys, or sits down and won't get up again, which makes me frustrated, but we deal. She says "sorrrrry Katie" and smiles at me and I forgive her instantly. :)

Drew and I sing songs. Mostly "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" , "Rock-a-bye Baby", and "Paddy-cake". She knows the words and she sings them fast, letting the words run together. Drew loves her puppies and likes to bark and pant like hers do.

We have a marvelous time together.

I believe Drew is a gift, an angel really, sent into people's lives to bring them happiness and love and to remind them of the simple pleasure of everyday living.

This chicky has me wrapped around her little finger. She's made me question my career choices, helped me to value life, and given me such a sudden and intense interest in Downs Syndrome and an urge to get involved. All that in just a few months, wow, this little girl sure can do a lot in short amount of time!