That Made A Curse A Gift”
Being a mother of a child with Down syndrome may be considered a traumatic; however, in the case of Joshua Myers, a 29 years old with Down syndrome, accepts the fact that such condition is a gift from God. Although, there comes a time in his life, he may think in a reverse way. As a matter of fact, Joshua considers his condition as a course. For that, he had a suicidal tendency – hoping to be hit by a car and ends his life. A person, who he does not know about and has not seeing that person ever since, stopped and took him into the car. Motivation happened along their conversation.
Joshua has that abrupt realization in his life. Indeed, her mother, Susan Kaphammer was so being thankful to that person. Susan was in fact, seeing the importance of being a mother especially in having a child with Down syndrome. Being that happy really feels good being a mother and when there is despondency along the way, would also seems frightening for the mother. Good enough because Myers claimed of having an awesome life these day. As he pronounced, “I love my life”.
Even more, Joshua has two important this he dreamed of. First, to become a minister and secondly, to be in wrestling and WWE with his belief that in this way can make his family proud of him. He is willing to make things that can make his mother happy and proud because he loves her mother so much. Susan, his mother, appreciates things her son wants to do for her. Most of all, she eventually considers her son as a teacher, teaching how to love.
The Evidence-based Strategies
Based on the given story from the article about a son with Down syndrome, it shows that the adjustment condition of the child is only lasted in a short period of time. By mere motivation Joshua was able to cope on what he thought of doing suicidal thing recovered. Considering the evidence-based strategies study of Bouffard, Westmoreland, O’Carroll and Little (2011), there is a need for family engagement in giving support and enhance the person which such kind of condition. The authors further emphasize that with family engagement, it must be an important component of any strategy. In this manner, the purpose of such strategy is to expand the learning opportunities for the person like Joshua.
Speak The Secret Between Them
The characters of Andy Goodling and Bryan play an important role in the article. Andy Goodling and Bryan were in a relationship for years hidden from anyone in their both respective families. Their relationship was started when they were in college in Pennsylvania and they started dating six years ago. Goodling told to his father that Bryan was his best friend though behind it was their intimate relationship with each other. Goodling’s pretention seemed to be helpful for them trying to hide everything about their relationship.
Goodling was in fact doing things like changing Bryan’s name to a girl’s name as not to be noticed just in case someone happened to read a received text message. He made ways just to hide the reality between them. Though, at some point, Goodling was about to confide everything to his family and even to the family of Bryan while on their trip to Florida.
Scott, the father of Goodling recalls the time when hearing about the death of Bryan in which at that time, his father already noticed that something wrong happened because of Goodlinng’s voice tone. It was this time that Goodling confronted his father and elaborates his relationship with Bryan. He actually admitted that he has fear then of saying the truth which may disappoint his father. Though his father says that whatever that can make Goodling happy, that will also make him happy. In any way, his point is, he is willing to support his son no matter what.
The Evidence-based Strategies
Little (2011) further emphasize evidence-based strategies that include giving adequacy in engaging families in a way of helping a member of the family feel in building relationships with his or her own family. Also, in such a way that ensuring engagement of family is highlighted in a given condition or situation. On the other hand, the need to frequently communicate with each other and further building up trusting relationships has to be practiced. It must be understood that frequent and positive communication among family members entails critical contribution to ensuring an effective family engagement.
References
Bouffard, S., Westmoreland, H., O’Carroll, K., & Little, P. (2011). Engaging families in out-of-school time programs. In H. Kreider & H. Westmoreland (Eds.), Promising practices for engaging families in out-of-school time. Charlotte, NC: Information Age.
Little, P. (2011). Family engagement needs inventory. San Antonio, TX: Edvance Research.
StoryCorp. (2016). Amid a lost love, a son and father finally speak the secret between them. AMET Publication. Retrieved from,
http://www.npr.org/2016/01/29/464691648/amid-a-lost-love-a-son-and-father-finally-speak-the-secret-between-them
StoryCorps, (2016). A Mom, A Son With Down Syndrome — And The Love That Made A 'Curse' A Gift. PMET Publication. Retrieved from,
http://www.npr.org/2016/02/19/467219746/a-mom-a-son-with-down-syndrome-and-the-love-that-made-a-curse-a-gift
