This statement alleviates out any pain – physical or mental. Tears streamed down my cheeks when I first heard my little one say the same.

I used to suffer from asthma at some point of time years ago.  Once I had an attack and was on nebuliser when my angel -Jijo came, saw me, wondering at the pipes and the mask that covers the face – eyes wide open. In an instant he held my hand said those very those very endearing words. He clung to me till the medicine got over in the nebuliser. And in various instances till date – he always has a beaming smile assuring you that the worst will get over soon.

This is the USP of all children with Down Syndrome. Their unconditional love, affection towards others – family, friends, animals is something that the world needs to learn from them.

When anyone in the family suddenly gets hurt Jijo would look at the person perplexed at first, as if trying to understand the situation, and then his face would lit up with thousand bulbs glowing at the same time to say those precious words. This always worked as a balm to the pain.

My elder son met with a terrible bike accident and was recuperating, Jijo stood by his Dabhai as an ambassador of hope and confidence reassuring every time that all is well.  When there have been moments of disagreement in the family it has been seen how understanding and loving he has been. Always trying his best to make everyone understand.

His teachers in school had the same stories to share with me. His grandparents were so full of him whenever he came forward to hold their hand.

Jijo is a story of love and kindness. I now replace my anxiety, sorrow, frustration aside and look at Jijo with hope. And when I say this I want to share my learnings with you –

1.    Life is precious. We have to learn to celebrate life and, in the process, work towards giving our children a healthy life understanding their constitution and need for the hour. Focus on health and discipline.

2.    Don’t worry about achieving milestones. Typical milestones will be achieved. I recall how worried I was about his late teething – when one of my friends said – ‘Hey come on, have you ever seen any individual not teething at all?’ The milestones take a little longer, but they do come. Best way is to list the things your child has accomplished. 

3.    Understanding what Down Syndrome is. This cannot happen at one go. It is a regular reading habit and getting to know the latest ways and means to help and guide your child.  Believe me sometimes frustration helps. It makes you look for ways and means to help and guide your child.

4.    You are never alone. There will be lot of support and help available. Grab them. Early intervention is a great help. For example, I was introduced to Spastics Society of Karnataka by a friend. Jijo began his Home-management program from his 13th month. And I am certain that it helped me to guide and direct Jijo to a brilliant life.

-Moushumi Das (Jijo’s mother)