Playgroup fills special need for families

By Gale Batsimm
Town Crossings Newspaper; January 14, 2006

As Jacob sits on the floor, fascinated by a talking yellow duck toy, Davis waves his arms up and down in glee. Amanda toddles in, accompanied by her big sister and mom, and 6-month-old Abigail arrives with her parents, ready for the Saturday morning playgroup.

Watching children play brings joy and satisfaction to any parent, but for these families of children with Down Syndrome, it also provides normalcy. "We are robbed of so many 'normal' experiences when we have a child born with Down Syndrome that the gift of 'normalcy' that our playgroup gives to our families is truly wonderful – reassuring for us, for our families and our friends," explained Sharon Randall of North Andover. "When you walk into a room full of families where having a child with Down Syndrome is the norm, you can take a deep breath, relax and know that you belong."

Randall, Maura Russo and Charlotte Gray formed the playgroup, which they called Morning Travelers in recognition of the road that lies ahead for them. The women had met at a support group two and a half years ago and realized that they needed something more, not just for themselves, but for their children. They wanted fun and friendship for the years ahead.

At the March conference of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC), the three women decided to reach out to others. They networked and distributed cards describing Morning Travelers as "friends committed to the encouragement of people starting out on the journey of life with Down Syndrome."

Since then, Morning Travelers has welcomed many new families of infants and young children with Down Syndrome. The group meets the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the First Calvary Baptist Church in North Andover. Their December meeting and holiday party drew 46 people. The unique focus of the group has attracted families from more than an hour away.

In addition to the monthly playgroup, Morning Travelers has also hosted moms' nights out and a summer family field trip. It also occasionally offers programs, such as a sign language class. Later this month, one of the members will lead a CPR course for parents.

"Sharon has been my guiding light," said Wendy Agudelo of North Andover, who received Abigail's diagnosis at birth. "We were completely blind. (Morning Travelers) is an important component in our development because the news was a surprise to us. It was so necessary for us to come to terms with everything."

Gray estimates that six new families join each month. As the group grows, the founders hope to incorporate everyone while keeping the same playful atmosphere.

They are working on how to include 5-year-olds along with 5-month-olds. With the recent inclusion of fathers into the group, the future may include dads' nights out as well. Members also hope to develop their Web site, www.morningtravelers.org.

"We are a happy group," said Russo. "There are always hard moments, but it's not a sad thing. I wouldn't take Down Syndrome away from my daughter. You can't imagine that when they're born. People tell you they're great and you'll love it. You don't believe it at first, but you start to believe it."

The most difficult times often involve health issues. According to Randall, 50 percent of children with Down Syndrome suffer heart problems and 30 percent have gastrointestinal difficulties.

"You definitely have other challenges with doctors and all the appointments," said Gray. "The lows are really low, but the highs are amazing. You appreciate so many more things with these kids that normally you'd just take for granted."

Morning Travelers has allowed these parents to enjoy the present and dream about the future.

Some days they talk about buying a house for their children to live in together when they are grown. For today, though, they'll watch them play with bubbles and build friendships.

For more information, email or call Sharon Randall at 978-974-0191.

Gale Batsimm is a North Andover resident and a freelance writer. You can share information about your North Andover community by calling Town Crossings at 978-475-7000.or e-mailing Gale at towncrossings@andovertownsman.com