I had a really lovely experience today

Was at a very busy playground with Isabella (nearly 5) and a couple of her brothers today. Was busy pushing her brothers on the swing when I looked over and she was sitting near the slide with a couple of football player looking fellas kneeling down and chatting to her. Especially one that was so tender with her (gave her a gentle stroke with the back of his little finger, a little chat, helped her up, etc). They were there with their kids and partners in a little group. Anyways a little while later I was on a piece of equipment with her and they glanced over and smiled at her. Was just really nice.

Anyway, I assumed they must have someone they know with Down Syndrome - it was that sort of unselfconscious engagement and warmth towards her. As I was leaving the larger of the two guys was near by so I said a quick hi and if he knew anyone with DS. He said no, but that he had done a couple of Buddy walks in South Australia and obviously spent the day with a few people with DS then which he thoroughly enjoyed. I asked how he came to be doing that and he said it was through a TV show he was involved with. I had to go and Bella smiled at him and said 'bye'. He smiled and said 'bye-gorgeous'.

There was just something exceptionally nice about knowing, what I suspect were two big burly football players or similiar (based on physique), showing such engagement with such a little person and all the way down at her level. There were lots of kids in the playground but they were obviously drawn to her. And why? Because they had been exposed to others with DS in a positive way.

Doing what we do with our kids, especially making it possible for them to engage positively with others, really does make a difference to how they are engaged in return.

I wish I knew who these guys were - esp the one I didn't talk to who looked very familiar (TV/Sport familiar) as he really got down and chatted to her. The other one looked a lot like Wayne Carrey but not as tall. I don't follow sports but wish I could nail who they were. It was just pure and lovely.

Di

What a fantastic experience Di. Thank you for sharing this with us. Great to hear that the Buddy Walk is promoting DS!!

Took Bella and Emily to the playground yesterday and Bella walked into every barbeque that was going on. On our way back she walked up to a group of about 10 young guys having a barbeque. I said: 'You must be hungry Bella, let's go home and get you something to eat.' While we continued walking up the hill, a young guy came running after us and said he heard what I said and offered Bella a yummi looking piece of steak. I was not sure if Bella was aloud meat, so did not take the offer, but thought it was such a nice gesture. Don't think it's people having experience with DS. I think, it's just because Bella is Bella and she's gorgeous. All young guys fall for that.

Well said Inky! About Bella being gorgeous and the guys falling for it.

Feeling very proud

WOW that is fantstic to hear. i loved that he had participted in the buddy walks. and totally agree she is gorgeous so you will have to keep your eyes on here

haha your brush with fame and you don't know who it was well, sounds like it was a great experience regardless! Awesome stuff

Cas