Thirty years ago today Candi was born. Little did we know how it would change us. My parents didn't know that she had Down Syndrome before she was born, so it was a surprise. My mom said carrying Candi felt different, but she had no idea. After they ran all the tests, my family was told she may never walk, be able to speak, or take care of herself. I remember my Dad sitting me down and telling me all this. Alison was only two so it didn't make any sense to her, but it did for me. He told me that I would have to be a big help to the both of them and when the time came, that I would have to be responsible for Candace. In an eight year old's mind, it didn't mean much. I just remember thinking, "OK. No big deal. So she'll be different and need more attention." I had no idea how much she would change my life.
As Candi grew up, she did learn how to walk-then she was running!! She was the fastest little thing we ever saw. She would run everywhere. At church the congregation knew that if they saw Candi without one of us with her to stop her and come find one of us, otherwise she would escape. There were many times when she was little she did crazy things. She would get up early Saturday mornings and turn on the TV to watch cartoons. That usually wouldn't be a big deal, except she'd turn the volume up full blast. Then she'd get a block of Velveeta cheese and eat it like a banana. At least she was trying to be self sufficient.
Ali and I played with Candi a lot. We helped her learn to talk, taught her colors, shapes, letters, and all that comes with it. We taught her to sing. She sings loud and completely off key, but she doesn't care, and neither do we. She sings because she can and she's happy. All of those years of helping Candi grow and learn taught me something--that I was meant to teach. Helping others learn comes easy for me, and Candi taught me that.
Now that Candi is an adult and I am completely responsible for her, she still is teaching me. Candi leads a very simple and happy life. She has a set schedule, goes to work, watches movies, and hangs out with her friends and family. I think we all could learn something from Candi. Happy Birthday Baby Sister!
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