I am proud of my daughter Valerie. Valerie was born with Down's Syndrome. The philosophy that my wife and I had in raising our daughter was to treat her exactly the same as her other two sisters. We have never given her any slack and have the same expectations that we have of our other two daughters. Valerie has been mainstreamed in school; she does have a peer that helps when she has some trouble understanding a concept when doing her school work. Every year she has been in school she has been on the Principals list which requires a 3.5 to a 4.0. She has played girls softball on the local leagues for several years. She normally plays right or left field and sometimes second base. She is one of the best base stealers I have seen, she is under the radar of most people and they do not expect it out of her. She has stolen bases before her own coaches knew what is going on. When she started high school three years ago she wanted to try out for the JV softball team; I was a little apprehensive because those girls are really good players at the high school level. When I got home that night I was expecting some tears but she made the team and has done very well with it. Valerie also made the high school swim team; this is her third year on the team. Last year she swam the 500 meter free-style and the 200 IM (four strokes, the crawl, butterfly, breathe-stroke, and back-stroke). Last year the coach asked for a volunteer to swim the 500 meter and 200 meter IM because they are the most difficult competitions to swim and Valerie volunteered to do both. Last Saturday was their first swim meet for the year and she swam the 100 meter free-style, 200 meter free-style, and the 400 meter relay. Valerie came in second in the 200 meter, she was in first place the first 100 meters then fell back to second. I am very proud of her and her accomplishments. She is always going beyond peoples expectations; she is a nice girl with a big heart.
Valerie is in the center of the below photo.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/studeb/P1090822.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/studeb/P1090673.jpg)
Val is a great little turkey hunter as well.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/studeb/P1090836Standarde-mailview.jpg)
Stoner this is such an awesome story. I have a few tears in my eyes after reading it! Very touching! You should be extremely proud. I think there is so much misunderstanding about Down's Syndrome, but I can tell you that every single person I have encountered that has Down's is extremely loving, and a total blessing to be around. Perhaps the biggest limitations she faces are the expectations of others. I pray she continues to blow people's minds as she exceeds everybody's pre-conceived notions of what she should be able to accomplish!
You have clearly taken the 100% right approach to raising her and I don't know you, but can tell you and your wife are awesome folks! God bless you all!
I remember the softball pictures you posted in the past. Having worked in special ed in the local school system, it is always great to see a parent encouraging a child with additional challenges to be all they can be. Congratulations to you and your daughter!
You should be very proud! I still remember the bat for the coach from a few months back. That's awesome she is doing well with swimming competitions as well. Thanks for sharing the story.
I got to admit something, this isn't the first post I have read about your daughter with tears in my eyes. Thanks so much for sharing!! and Hip Hip Ho-Ray for Valerie!!!!!!!
Base theft specialist!!! but more important A daughter that is loved unconditionally.
Congratulations on three beautiful daughters. A very touching story about a special little lady. May God continue to bless all of you..Mike :cross2:
There's alot to be proud of Stoner. Two thumbs up to Valerie :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright:
TRKYHTR
Awsome story stoner.Thanks for sharing it.Congrads Valerie you are outstanding. :icon_thumright:
AWESOME :icon_thumright:
I'll always need my daughter no matter what age I am. My daughter has made me laugh.. made me proud...made me cry...hugged me tight..seen me fall... cheered me on...kept me going strong...and driven me crazy at times! But my daughter is a promise from God that I will have a friend forever!
God bless you and your family and thanks for posting.
I enjoy this thread a lot, I have a brother with downs syndrome and he has the biggest heart I have ever seen. He is very friendly and has something to say about everything. When ever I go out to make turkey calls he always wants to come with me and learn how to do it. Someday, he'll be right up there with the big call makers.
:icon_thumright: :happy0064: :icon_thumright:
What a wonderful story.
Thats great!
A great story and heart warming. Chief.
Character shows when difficult circumstances arise. You and your daughter have true character and you are a rightfully proud Dad! She has a sweet smile. :icon_thumright:
That's a great story - very touching. Looks like mom and dad have done a great job raising a wonderful daughter!
it is good to read this, you your daughter and wife have done a great job.
That is flat awesome!
Way cool Stoner!!!!
Great story,we could use a few more Valarie's in this world.
She sounds like a true inspiration and great kid.
As a dad of a couple girls myself all I can add is a double :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: