"Even if that often means
starting over again, trying again
and again and again.
This is how he learns to walk.
And ever since, he has been
wandering all over the village
with his doll that has no name,
watching the tractors go by,
knocking on every door to
deliver smiles."
Marcel is a child who has Down syndrome. At birth, the midwife notes that he has webbed toes. His mother, knows Marcel is a Pisces, the fish. Marcel is much the same as other babies; he's hungry and sleepy, and then hungry and sleepy again. His family and their friends are very happy to meet him.
After examination, doctors notice his almond-shaped eyes and a single crease on his palm. Marcel displays the usual features of a child who has Down syndrome. Hearing that Marcel's life will be different from many children, his parents feel both happy and sad. Reactions from others vary; most everyone does have an opinion.
"Marcel's parents don't quite know
what to think, so they decide to
bury those strange words at the
bottom of the garden."
They will watch to see what happens as he grows. Marcel is a happy boy who rarely cries, often smiles, and continues to eat and sleep. Learning can be hard, and Marcel takes his time to learn what he needs to know. His determination holds him in good stead as he tries over and over to accomplish each new task. He loves to walk, and meet people. Some children are reluctant to play with him, offering reasons that can be hurtful.
True friends like Marcel for good reasons. Anthony likes that Marcel is funny, and Melody understands him even if he can't talk. They love to hide in the grass together and collect the stones they all love. Marcel loves to be silly, too. In fact, Marcel is much like many of the kids he will meet in his life.
Esther, an adult with Down syndrome, meets the family, and sees a child who looks like she does. Esther has an apartment, lives on her own, and loves to dance more than anything else. She helps them see that the rest of the world doesn't make much difference to the love they feel for their son. It isn't long until Marcel goes to school, with support. He likes it sometimes and not others, and he looks forward to summer vacation just as all school children do. He loves to swim.
Ms. Sorensen, the author, is the mother of a child with Down syndrome. This thoughtful and heartfelt book is a tribute to children like him; he is a very special boy.
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