World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day
March 21
A day to celebrate the lives of those with an extra chromosome.
Wear your odd and colourful socks to create awareness.
As many of you know, Guy, whose photo takes pride of place in the window of Frocks n Locks, was my little brother. He is missed greatly by our family, never forgotten, and always appreciated for the lessons he taught us about struggles, determination, and love. People with disabilities and their families face so many challenges every day, and each one makes them stronger.
For this World Down Syndrome Day, I thought it would be an opportunity to provide insight into what it was like to ensure Guy got the best possible opportunity to learn how to navigate his way in the world.
My parents, Ron and Carol Derrick, always did their very best to give Guy those opportunities, like learning to swim and ride a horse.
When Guy was not quite five, he went away to the Special School in Tamworth. This provided another challenge for Mum as she decided she needed to learn to drive so she could get him to and from school. Sometimes he was collected by Mr. Hancock, who was the local butcher in ‘71. He would cry when he left, but Mr. Hancock would drive around the block, and as he went past the house again, he would be smiling and waving. He was delivered to school and was collected on Fridays after staying all week at the group home. This was a heart-wrenching time for both Guy and my parents, and he stayed at the school in Tamworth for around 11 years. Once the licence was obtained, trips to Tamworth on Mondays and Fridays became the norm unless there was a willing friend or family member to help out.
Mum’s sister, Ellen, became House Mum at the group home during some of this time, which made it a bit easier on us as we felt he was with family. What an amazing gesture to support Guy and our family from my Aunt.
It is worth mentioning Guy is one of six, so that was just another hurdle my parents faced, making sure that the rest of the children also received what was needed for their schooling and everyday lives.
Guy, except for missing his family, did very well at school. When he left school, he attended Day Centre, which was at the BARRABA Hospital, and he was lucky enough to travel with the Day Centre group on many fabulous trips with the support of Roseanne Badham, Marie Groth, and Sue Russell. Later, he was lucky enough to become among the first members of Tangara, and his bond with Sue, Peter Salter and Fiona McGowan formed. He learned many more skills from his years with them, such as photography and woodworking. Fiona was amazing and taught him to sign his name and how to handle his money.
There are so many people who loved and supported Guy. It is very true the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
Sadly, still expectant parents are pressured to terminate babies with Down Syndrome. For my parents, the pressure was to leave Guy in an institution and forget they had him. Like he was some unimaginable burden. Instead, they decided to give him every opportunity to be the best person he could be, to live his best life, which he undoubtedly did. He was involved in our community and lived for his BARRABA Rugby Union football club.
Our family is forever thankful for the village that helped raise Guy John Derrick. We are so lucky to have had
him to teach us empathy, compassion, love, and life with disabilities. As a matter of interest, I have included his kindergarten report card. The photo is also from his school days. And a sample of his signature. So please celebrate with me on the 21st of March. Pop on your socks and think of Guy if you had the pleasure of knowing him.
Rhonda Phillips