Human RACE
  • Home
  • About us
  • #OpenBooks
  • Blogs
    • Stories of love
    • Not so Different
    • Unleash the power
  • Contact us
Human RACE
  • Home
  • About us
  • #OpenBooks
  • Blogs
    • Stories of love
    • Not so Different
    • Unleash the power
  • Contact us
  • Family
  • Stories of love

Sachiko, Our Child of Joy

  • October 19, 2021
  • 3.9K views
Total
0
Shares
0
0

Amelia Sachiko came into our lives different from her brothers.  She was my first caesarean birth, and while I would normally request to walk to my birthing room, with Sachiko I welcomed the wheelchair as I prayed to calm my anxious heart and trembling legs. Perhaps subconsciously I knew this was going to be a special child, even at birth.

AMELIA SACHIKO SITTING ON HER MOTHER'S LAP.
Amelia Sachiko sitting on her mother’s lap.

My husband Chips and I run a swim school. Two weeks before giving birth we had met with a developmental doctor, a family friend, to ask for advice as we had encountered more students with special needs at our school. With safety always our utmost concern, we wanted to know how best to address their needs. It was a sign. Two weeks later, on our 7th wedding anniversary, Sachiko came along with an extra chromosome.

It was a shock, to say the least, and most trying as we waited for confirmation from her blood test (the unknown always is), but somehow I knew even at first sight, as a mama always does, there was something different.

It was hard and scary because we had no idea we were going to have a child with Down Syndrome. We cried a lot in the beginning, and the tears came from a place of fear of the unknown. We didn’t know what Down Syndrome meant, or what the implications were. We were caught off-guard, but we also knew in hindsight that God had been preparing us for this journey.

Five years later, here we are. There are so many miracles to share surrounding Sachiko’s birth – she is God’s perfect gift to us. We are blessed.

She is a bundle of joy and mischief rolled into one. She has been the collective household therapy during the time of Covid-19, bringing so much healing just by her presence. She gives her affection so freely, innocently, and lovingly. When we walk around the village, Sachiko always says “Hi!” with a wave and a beaming smile to the guards, or to anyone she passes by. Such a simple gesture brings so much joy. We all love to swim with Sachiko because she is a fish just like her mama. She can be in the water for hours!

As a family, we are immensely close. We are blessed with three wildly affectionate and athletic kids. Noah is 10, Elijah is 8 and Sachiko is 4. The boys are passionate about soccer, while Sachiko loves the water. We all still sleep together in one room, and that should tell you a lot! At home, I’m the ‘bad cop’ or disciplinarian, while Chips is the ‘big kid’ who plays soccer with the boys, does Zumba, and sings princess songs with Sachiko.

We told the boys about Sachiko’s condition as soon as they were able to comprehend. They know she has Down Syndrome, but they don’t think anything of it. She’s just their sister. They help out with little things like occasionally reminding Sachiko not to stick her tongue out.

AMELIA (CENTRE) WITH HER TWO BROTHERS.
Amelia (centre) with her two brothers.

They are typical boys and play rough with each other. They don’t treat Sachiko any differently. In fact, she is totally able to hold her own, and sometimes we find Elijah crying because she had bitten him or pounced on him. The boys are her best friends and therapy. She sees them climb the bunk bed and just follows right behind. They are really good brothers to her, though I think in the end, she may be the ‘boss’!

We are fortunate that so far, we have not encountered any uncomfortable situations when taking Sachiko out or introducing her to other families and children.

People sometimes ask what challenges I face raising Sachiko, and my answer is it’s not that scary. In fact, she brings so much joy, love and healing. Do not underestimate her capabilities. I don’t know what the future has in store for her, but I am determined to expose her to the same opportunities as her brothers are. Raising each child is an adventure, typical or atypical. You mustn’t compare, and you will appreciate every milestone that much more.

Ever since Sachiko came into our lives I knew Chips and I would eventually be doing something for children with special needs. When I accepted the position of Board Chair with Special Olympics in the Philippines recently, it just felt right. As a former competitive swimmer and Olympian, sports has impacted my life tremendously. It opened doors and has led me to my current role as a television host and leader in a sports organization. It was a merging of two worlds close to my heart.

I want to see more athletes with intellectual disabilities pursuing their dreams in sports and beyond, alongside their typical friends. I want to see teams, schools, organizations and companies welcoming all abilities, suspending whatever preconceived notions they might have, to treat others the way they would want to be treated.

My message to the parents of children with disabilities is to share the beauty of our children with others. Don’t hide them. Don’t be ashamed of them. Show that with a little help and effort our children can do wonders, and contribute to the good of all mankind. I heard recently, that children with intellectual disabilities are not an obligation, but an inspiration for all. How true.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Related Topics
  • asia pacific
  • Down syndrome
  • Humanity
  • Love Triumphs
  • philippines

Help make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Your contribution matters. No amount is too small! Click here to make a donation:

Akiko Thomson

Previous Article
  • Family
  • Not so Different

At my own pace

  • September 14, 2021
View Post
Next Article
  • Family
  • Unleash the power

The World Is My Canvas

  • October 19, 2021
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Family
  • Openbooks- Stories Of Inclusion

Tender Hearts: Gaining independence & purpose through acts of service

  • January 10, 2025
Lino and Alif
View Post
  • Not so Different
  • Stories of love

Beyond the Game: Alif and Lino’s Journey in Unity 

  • December 4, 2024
Coach Asia Khatun Bithi
View Post
  • Coach Story
  • Stories of love
  • Unleash the power

A Bangladesh coach’s transformative journey of dedication and inclusion

  • October 3, 2024
Sis-qo Cain (left) with his father Bosco Cain (right).
View Post
  • Coach Story
  • Family
  • Stories of love

The journey of Sis-qo Cain: Through a father’s lens

  • September 10, 2024
Irving Tan
View Post
  • Family
  • Unleash the power

More than just speed: Uncovering Irving’s inner champion

  • May 13, 2024
KA Advaith
View Post
  • Family
  • Unleash the power

A case of different strokes for different folks – Advaith’s journey

  • April 30, 2024
Natsumi Uchida on the court.
View Post
  • Family
  • Stories of love

Shooting for their dreams: A mother and daughter journey

  • April 9, 2024
Flordeliza Baento
View Post
  • Athlete
  • Stories of love

Golden Rule: Embody the kindness you seek in others

  • December 22, 2023

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Read more about us:

BBC News Go to BeepWeep

Special Olympics Go to Scoopwoop

ESPN Go to Buzzfeed

Follow Us
31K
1K
1K

Human Race needs your support now more than ever —

By clicking on the button below, you agree to let Special Olympics Asia Pacific contact you to share additional details about our work and participate in our marketing activities.

Yes, I want to support

Thank you for your details!

Please check your email, where a confirmation link has been shared with you. We'll get in touch with you shortly.

If you'd like to make a direct donation,

click here

Data Protection
Sign Up for Our Newsletters

You can help too!

Copyright © 2024 Special Olympics Asia Pacific

Input your search keywords and press Enter.