Stories of Inspiration and Hope
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Epitome of Volunteerism!
David Wilder, President of People First of Skagit County, was recently honored by Governor Gregoire. Read his story here as printed in the Skagit Valley Herald:
No Obstacle Too Great. | Citizens Academy
 Ramon & Alberto - Citizens Academy
At first, Alberto Felix joined his son, Ramon, in the Mount Vernon Police Department’s Citizens Academy because he knew he’d have to give him a ride there, anyway. But the 12-week class quickly became an inspiration for Alberto Felix to help the community and an opportunity to bond with his 28-year-old son with Down syndrome.
Read the story here Citizens Academy becomes inspiration to help community on PageA1 of Sunday, May 15, 2011 issue of Skagit Valley Herald. |
Life is Full of Surprises
Ever been surprised but you weren’t sure whether you should laugh or cry?! This is Jessica’s story – a story full of surprises at every turn.
Arriving 7 weeks early in the Spring of ’99, the Doctor let us know that there were more surprises ahead for our new arrival, a diagnosis of Down syndrome being the first. We were also given additional options for Jessica’s care: we could give her up to a Foster Home or to the State for Institutionalization. What?!! Neither one was any option at all. She was our gift, our responsibility. We would figure her out, one day at a time, accessing every service and professional we could to help us do just that.
Jessica’s first few years were marked by one medical crisis after another, endless trips to the Emergency Room via ambulance,numerous surgeries, tests, procedures, assessments and cumulative months spent in the Hospital. Formal therapy began at 3 months and has continued ever since.
Some wonder about the awkward “skip” in her gait but don’t realize that her ability to walk at all is something of a miracle and surprise to us all. Due to 2 massive brain hemorrhages, 2 brain surgeries and resulting cerebral palsy, she didn’t hold up her head for many months, didn’t sit up or hold her own bottle ‘til she was 17 months old and was in a wheelchair ‘til the age of 6.
Daughter #2 of 5, Jessica Faith is a delightful 11 year old who fully participates in community life. She attends our local Elementary school in a regular classroom just like her sisters, participates in a weekly girls’ club and is also a Special Olympics athlete. Her infectious smile and charming personality warms the hearts of young and old wherever she goes.
Surprising to some, she’s not a perfect little angel who is “happy and content” all the time. She has her struggles and challenges. She has had to work hard to learn what comes easy to the rest of us: to talk, to walk, to eat, to drink, to read, to write, to count… Yet, the biggest surprises of all are the gifts that DO come so easily to Jessica: patience, forgiveness, strength, faith, and the most polite manners of any child you’ll ever meet.
Having Jessica teach us about life’s most important gifts is the most rewarding surprise of all. Life is full of surprises – bring ‘em on.
Written by Joy Caldwell, Jessica's Mom.
Arriving 7 weeks early in the Spring of ’99, the Doctor let us know that there were more surprises ahead for our new arrival, a diagnosis of Down syndrome being the first. We were also given additional options for Jessica’s care: we could give her up to a Foster Home or to the State for Institutionalization. What?!! Neither one was any option at all. She was our gift, our responsibility. We would figure her out, one day at a time, accessing every service and professional we could to help us do just that.
Jessica’s first few years were marked by one medical crisis after another, endless trips to the Emergency Room via ambulance,numerous surgeries, tests, procedures, assessments and cumulative months spent in the Hospital. Formal therapy began at 3 months and has continued ever since.
Some wonder about the awkward “skip” in her gait but don’t realize that her ability to walk at all is something of a miracle and surprise to us all. Due to 2 massive brain hemorrhages, 2 brain surgeries and resulting cerebral palsy, she didn’t hold up her head for many months, didn’t sit up or hold her own bottle ‘til she was 17 months old and was in a wheelchair ‘til the age of 6.
Daughter #2 of 5, Jessica Faith is a delightful 11 year old who fully participates in community life. She attends our local Elementary school in a regular classroom just like her sisters, participates in a weekly girls’ club and is also a Special Olympics athlete. Her infectious smile and charming personality warms the hearts of young and old wherever she goes.
Surprising to some, she’s not a perfect little angel who is “happy and content” all the time. She has her struggles and challenges. She has had to work hard to learn what comes easy to the rest of us: to talk, to walk, to eat, to drink, to read, to write, to count… Yet, the biggest surprises of all are the gifts that DO come so easily to Jessica: patience, forgiveness, strength, faith, and the most polite manners of any child you’ll ever meet.
Having Jessica teach us about life’s most important gifts is the most rewarding surprise of all. Life is full of surprises – bring ‘em on.
Written by Joy Caldwell, Jessica's Mom.
My Best Friend Vickie
The following is a story that was read at Vickie’s funeral. It speaks to the power of love and value of friendship. It has been condensed and distributed with permission from Gina Alderman & Vickie’s family.
My Best Friend Vickie (written by Gina Alderman)
I don’t recall when I first met Vickie, because Vickie & her family were a part of me and my family’s life for as long as I can remember. Our moms were best friends before any of us kids came along. For some fortunate reason, Vickie chose me to be her best friend and this has truly been the greatest honor in my life.
Our families spent a lot of time together growing up in Florida. Sometimes we would go to the Tampa Bay Bucs games. She knew the players by name, especially the cute ones, like safety John Lynch - a “hunk or major babe” as Vickie would say. Sometimes, Vickie would stay overnight at my house. We would have a pizza party, watch a game or movie on TV then go out for breakfast the next morning. I enjoyed every minute.
Vickie was an angel that was sent to this earth. Anyone who met her knew right away. She was a gift from God and we can all learn a lot from her life.
Even though Vickie was born with disabilities, she never let that stop her or slow her down. She had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. Her hugs and genuine excitement to see you were unmatched. She loved unconditionally and cared for everyone and everything.
Vickie had a special gift with animals. They didn’t jump on her or try to be rough. I watched in amazement as they would walk up to her and sit around her as she petted each one. She treated animals like she did people, with love and respect.
Vickie gave her heart, time, and energy as she used her talents & worked hard for others. She worked at the soup kitchen to feed the hungry. She enjoyed arts and crafts and made all kinds of things, whether it was a stitched coaster with your name on it, a knitted dish towel or a stitched cover on a brick door stop, it was always for someone else.
Vickie also enjoyed Special Olympics. She was a great bowler and sportsman. She practiced hard to be the best.
Vickie taught me the true meaning of friendship. With all the ups and downs and friends in and out of my life, Vickie was a constant. She never forgot a birthday and sometimes she would just call to say "Hey Best Friend"! My heart would swell when I would hear those words.
If we all lived and loved as Vickie did, this world would be a much better place. I will miss her. Vickie Edwards was, is, and always will be my teacher, my inspiration, my hero and most of all my "My Best Friend".
My Best Friend Vickie (written by Gina Alderman)
I don’t recall when I first met Vickie, because Vickie & her family were a part of me and my family’s life for as long as I can remember. Our moms were best friends before any of us kids came along. For some fortunate reason, Vickie chose me to be her best friend and this has truly been the greatest honor in my life.
Our families spent a lot of time together growing up in Florida. Sometimes we would go to the Tampa Bay Bucs games. She knew the players by name, especially the cute ones, like safety John Lynch - a “hunk or major babe” as Vickie would say. Sometimes, Vickie would stay overnight at my house. We would have a pizza party, watch a game or movie on TV then go out for breakfast the next morning. I enjoyed every minute.
Vickie was an angel that was sent to this earth. Anyone who met her knew right away. She was a gift from God and we can all learn a lot from her life.
Even though Vickie was born with disabilities, she never let that stop her or slow her down. She had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. Her hugs and genuine excitement to see you were unmatched. She loved unconditionally and cared for everyone and everything.
Vickie had a special gift with animals. They didn’t jump on her or try to be rough. I watched in amazement as they would walk up to her and sit around her as she petted each one. She treated animals like she did people, with love and respect.
Vickie gave her heart, time, and energy as she used her talents & worked hard for others. She worked at the soup kitchen to feed the hungry. She enjoyed arts and crafts and made all kinds of things, whether it was a stitched coaster with your name on it, a knitted dish towel or a stitched cover on a brick door stop, it was always for someone else.
Vickie also enjoyed Special Olympics. She was a great bowler and sportsman. She practiced hard to be the best.
Vickie taught me the true meaning of friendship. With all the ups and downs and friends in and out of my life, Vickie was a constant. She never forgot a birthday and sometimes she would just call to say "Hey Best Friend"! My heart would swell when I would hear those words.
If we all lived and loved as Vickie did, this world would be a much better place. I will miss her. Vickie Edwards was, is, and always will be my teacher, my inspiration, my hero and most of all my "My Best Friend".
I Have a Special Child by Joy Caldwell, Jessica's Mom - 2008
I have a special child.
Her name is Jessica Faith. She has an extra gene And a sweet angelic face. The doctor had bad news he said. “She’s not a normal child She has an extra chromosome - Down syndrome.” I cried, then smiled. Her early years were fragile As she struggled to survive. There were many days I wondered If she would ever thrive. She has been to many doctors, Had too many tests to count. Yet always shares her special joy, Beauty from the inside out. | I have felt the stares of strangers
As they feel sorry for her plight. Yet Jessica has courage; She perseveres with all her might. She has a warmth and humor Of greeting young and old. She has never met a stranger Her greeting never cold. Some days I’m overwhelmed By the weight and complexities. I often pray and wonder What His purposes could be. But this special gift named Jessica Is teaching me everyday That patience, faith and kindness Must always lead the way. |
Local Special Olympian - Darcy Storme
Dale & Ramon's Story of their moves out of RHC's
I am confident that our residents moving from the RHC’s into the community will make the transition well as they did when we closed Interlake (RHC) in 1994. Ramon and Dale both lived there and moved to the community. Their caregiver, who worked with them in both places, describes the change in their short You Tube videos at www.arcwa.org/videos.htm.
