Happy Faces

by Ruth Margrit Sill

My son, Danny is 17 and has Down syndrome. His perspective on how the world works continues to teach and amaze our family as well as others who touch our lives. Danny is the youngest of five children, but has become our teacher in many ways.

When Danny was about 11, he was anxious to be allowed to cut the grass with the push mower. He had been begging for quite some time, and this particular spring, we decided he was probably tall enough and strong enough to learn how. I pulled the cord, and started up the mower, and demonstrated for him how to cut along the edges, and then continue a pattern of relatively straight lines back and forth across the yard. We reviewed safety practices, and we talked about not running over dog toys or branches or flowering shrubs. He seemed sure of himself, and eagerly took the handles from me. He walked away from me, directly into the middle of the yard, looking behind himself at where I stood, with the biggest grin of accomplishment on his face.

Soon he was concentrating on his work, deliberately circling round and round the yard, certainly not in any sort of pattern or sequence. Well, I thought to myself, at least the grass is getting cut. I wondered what he was thinking, and when he finally stopped the mower next to me, clapped his hands in complete joy I understood.

"Hey, Danny," I asked, "just why did you cut circles in the grass?" With the biggest smile, he said, "I cut happy faces in the grass. If grass is happy, grass will grow."

Why didn't I think of that? Of course he wanted the grass to grow...so he could cut it.... again.....and again....and again.

Biography Danny, who is now 18 has found a very special belonging in a place called Camphill Children's Village - Beaver Run in Glenmoore PA. It is a setting where children with special needs can live [residential program], learn [school] and grow [transitioning] into productive happy and fulfilled individuals who are finding meaning and purpose for their lives. The staff and their families who are part of this 'work' go above and beyond any call of duty. There is not only acceptance in this place, but there are high hopes and expectations and opportunities for each person to contribute in a valuable way to the life of the village. We feel blessed to have found this place. We have learned so much in the 7 years we have been privileged to be a part of a wonderful experience. Ruth lives in Southeastern PA with her son, Danny, her daughter Abby and son-in-law Mike, three year old Lily-Anne and brand new baby sister, Heidi. Ruth has been a nurse for over 30 years, mostly working in the maternity department of a community hospital, some community health and school nursing. Her greatest accomplishment and joy are her five children, and now she is delighting in the grandchildren. She loves living in the country, reading and journaling and has a new obsession with photography and scrapbooking. Ruth has always enjoyed mentoring and encouraging new mothers. She is enormously grateful to GOD for the important life lessons that her life and her children have taught her, and always wants to be open to learning new things. THANKS!