:I Love My Life

[Guest guest]

Janelle, left, and Judy Pipitone / Provided photo

Written by

Judy Pipitone

Just a few days ago, I heard my daughter talking to herself, saying, " I love my life. " Memories flooded in.Almost 30 years ago, Janelle was welcomed into our world.

She

was rushed away from me because of issues at birth, and I wasn't able to see her. Late that evening, doctors decided to transfer her to Strong

Memorial Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.She had an infection that was not responding to treatment, and they weren't sure how they were going to proceed.

I

was in a state of denial. How could anything be wrong with my daughter?

Everything had been fine during the entire pregnancy, never any indication that anything might be wrong.They sat me down and told me there was more than an infection. She also had Down syndrome.I

wanted children desperately. When trying to get pregnant for the first time, I took double doses of a fertility drug — twice. This proved successful, and my wonderful son, Todd, was born. Four years later, I had no trouble getting pregnant with Janelle.We

tried to determine why she was born with Down syndrome. We took genetic

tests. We found out there was no real explanation. And after the tests,

I was still at one hospital, and she was at another, and I didn't quite

know what to do.I

did know that I had made a very conscientious decision to have this child. I would accept whatever was given to me. The best advice anyone gave me was to just love her — and that I did (and still do)! She had a little button nose and rosebud lips and was as normal to me as any baby could be.We had some health issues with her in the beginning once she came home from the

hospital, but we got through all of that and got her going with physical therapy and anything else available that would stimulate her and help her develop.I

knew that early intervention was a key to her development. Her overall development was pretty much as expected, and she has grown up to be a beautiful, high-functioning, socially age-appropriate young woman who loves life.Janelle

wakes up every morning during the week eager to go to her job at Wayne ARC-Key Industries. Her enthusiasm, not only about her job, but about everything, is contagious. The joy and love that Janelle has given me is

immeasurable. You do more because of her reactions and because it all helps her grow and be who she is.Anyone

who gives birth to a special needs child should not be afraid. Love your child unconditionally. Make your child a full member of your family

and your community. Be your child's strongest advocate.If

they need something that isn't readily available, search out organizations that you think might provide the services you require.If

they don't have them, strongly encourage them to develop a program. Because of your love and advocacy, your child will thrive.Pipitone,

now retired from an accounting/bookkeeping career, lives in Palmyra. Her son, Todd, is married to Laurie, and they have two children, Brennan

and Kerstin. Pipitone also cared for her parents in her home for a decade of her children's formative years.http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110515/LIVING/105150320/Mom-s-memories-return-daughter-says-love-my-life-