Jaslyn’s Story
My journey began in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, where my mother was living in 1995. She had a fleeting thought: “If I ever have a baby, I’d like to give birth here.” Hmmm? Could they ever have imagined me… a beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed girl whose streak of independence would challenge them to the max? Perhaps but I don’t think they had a clue of everything I was bringing along with me. I was born in Quito in 1996. Six months later, a blood test confirmed that I have Trisomy 21, a developmental disability known as Down Syndrome.
During my first four years, we travelled back and forth between Ecuador and my parents’ home country of Canada. My nanny Chevela was always there for us when we returned to Vilcabamba. She nursed Mom back to health after child birth, cared for me, changed and washed my diapers, cleaned our house and cooked plenty of rice and beans! I grew up with several dogs and our beautiful Canadian calico cat Manon. During my diapers days, I even witnessed a chicken laying an egg in a clothing basket while I was being changed! When we needed supplies, Dad and I rode our horse Willow into town.
In 1999, for reasons I have yet to understand, Mom and Dad decided that their lives were better off experienced under separate roofs. And since I was inextricably tied to each of them, they decided that I would live alternately with both. In April 2000, we returned to Canada. Since then, I have lived in Edmonton.
Now I am almost 11 years old. I’m imaginative, and, I have a good sense of humour. I like to play outdoors, interact with people, watch videos, and travel. I’ve had a lot of fun experiences, like road trips, Halloween, Valentine and birthday parties with friends, and school field trips. I have had outdoor adventures like hiking and canoeing. In the spring of 2006, I traveled around Ecuador with my cousin and my dad. Oh, and I just luuuv pizza! I’m one of the grade five students at my neighbourhood school where I am a valued, contributing member of my classroom. My favourite subjects are gym and lunchtime! My classmates know and accept me for who I am. We learn and have fun together.
In 2005, mom attended an Edmonton Down Syndrome Society meeting which introduced a change into our lives. Prior to this date, she was feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of ensuring a fulfilling and welcoming life was in place to greet me as I matured. I think she uttered a silent prayer. Help came at this meeting in the form of an introduction to PLAN Edmonton. The light shone for her that evening.
Twitter
Join us on Facebook
Contact us
Plan E Newsletter© 2012 PLAN Institute
