Andrew

When we planned for April and the entries for A Parent’s Perspective, we were hoping for a different author to submit each week to share his or her varying experiences. We didn’t plan on Andrew, though.

Albert Street’s Andrew

I’m actually a little embarrassed to admit, I never got to meet Andrew. A week ago when several parents in our group contacted me because they were so upset about Andrew, I had to ask, “Andrew who?”. And even with everyone sharing multiple stories about his love of dance and his smiles, I realized I’d never had the pleasure to meet this young man.

It’s been a week since his passing, though, I honestly feel like I know him now. So many have shared their stories and interactions with me. I went to Andrew’s funeral and cried at the loss of this special young man as I listened to the passionate tributes from the personnel from the Good Samaritan Home, Dibary and Mirab.

An Icon

He obviously had such an impact on the community. Immediately after his passing, Andrew Munnings Funeral Home offered to make arrangements. They sponsored the casket, did a fabulous program, live-streamed the funeral, and helped with transportation. They stepped forward in such a big way. But they weren’t alone. Dibary, Mirab, Mikado and Donny’s all came out to help and pay their respects.

It truly was a beautiful service and I am thankful for everything the Good Samaritan Home and the Ministry of Human Development did to ensure that Andrew got a service befitting an icon.

My Heart is Broken

As beautiful as it was, though, and as grateful as I am that the Albert Street Business Community stepped up in such a big way, I couldn’t help but want to SCREAM at the universe.

You see, I listened to the stories oh how Andrew danced. I heard about how he helped put back shopping carts at Mirab. He loved showing up for ‘work’ when Dibary gave him a uniform. He knew when the BIG bosses at Mirab would come around because he would greet them properly. He negotiated and flirted for his Coke and fry chicken.

You know what this tells me????

This tells me he could have done so much more. A person with Down Syndrome, just like one on the autism spectrum, with support and help, could possibly hold a job. He or she could possibly go to college. He or she might be able to live on his or her own or maybe in an assisted living facility. Just because a person has special needs and might have to work harder and need more support, doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t have tremendous potential!

Andrew had so much potential for more. And I LOVE that he had the Good Samaritan home to help him. I LOVE that he made such an impact on the staff at Mirab and Dibary. It’s wonderful that they considered him their own – their family.

But just imagine for one second if he had that kind of strong support as a child… if he had proper schooling where they taught the way he needed to learn… If he had gotten speech therapy or had been offered an alternative way of communicating… If we as a community, a society, a country, had focused on him, recognizing his potential and investing in his potential…

Sigh. I’m tearing up again.

Autism Belize has a mom with a child with Down Syndrome. She’s submitted her story right here a couple weeks ago. Her son has a family that is constantly pushing him, teaching him, working with him. I’ve seen pictures of them teaching him to ride, doing school work, trying yoga. I know she has driven him hours to see a specialist. She even maked sure she can got him into Camp Starfish at San Pedro. Her son is a sweet and loving and happy boy – much like Andrew. He will mostly likely be able to hold some sort of job. They work on him with speech, so he communicates well – and that will get better. I can’t help but smile as I watch him. I know that family will work their a$$ off to ensure he reaches his potential.

It Takes A Village

Once upon a time, I thought a picture of Belize could be placed next to the explanation of that saying, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”. You could barely get away with any mischief without someone telling your mom or scolding you herself. If your neighbor saw you struggle, you know he or she would help. Even in the city, we were THAT village.

We’ve strayed though. We’ve strayed far from that. But listening to how the employee from Dibary tried to hold back tears and watching the passion from the young lady from Mirab as she told storied about Andrew – I believe, NO, I know we can find our way back to that village.

Awareness

Watching how many companies have supported Autism Belize this month by wearing blue, by putting up a blue bulb, by sharing information about autism – I believe, NO, I KNOW the majority of us want to go back to that village. You know, the village where we truly take care of ALL of our children – no matter whothey belong to or how different –not less- they may be.

Acceptance

This year, we did the Light It Up Blue Campaign to start the conversation and build awareness for autism. Next though, starting in May – we need to move toward acceptance and inclusion – so that ALL or children no matter their abilities or differences or cultures or socioeconomic status can get the education and support they need to reach their fullest potential.

Proud to be Born Deh

Let’s never forget Andrew and let’s use him as a guide to remember we must become that village in order for Belize to become a kinder, stronger, transformed Belize.

Keep Dancing Andrew – we know you must be listening to “You Born Deh” by Lord Rhaburn on repeat.