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Stories of Wil: Sharing Smiles

Wil’s smile is contagious!

By Christie Taylor

Wil is a 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome. He is the little brother, by 20 months, to twin sisters, Katherine and Elizabeth. Wil mom, Christie, knew very little about Down syndrome when Wil was diagnosed shortly after his birth. It didn’t take long for Christie to realize how enriching life with Down syndrome is. Embracing this newfound life, Christie was compelled to share her experiences with Wil. Christie desire, in sharing these stories, is to promote an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the amazing capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

There is something about people with Down syndrome that makes strangers smile. And not just one type of smile. I’ve recognized varying degrees of smiles.

There is the “warm, friendly smile.” This type comes from those who have an acquaintance with Down syndrome or a positive image of people with Down syndrome.

There is the “he-so-darn-adorable smile.” Because Wil is so darned adorable and adorable kids make it easy to smile.

There is the “sympathy smile.” This smile comes with a look of concern. First, Wil is looked with concern, then the “sympathy smiler” looks up at me with sadness in their eyes.

There is the “knowing smile”—my absolute favorite. The “knowing smiler” looks at Wil longer than the typical smiler, with a far off daze appearing in their eyes. It as though looking at Wil has transported the “knowing smiler” somewhere else, and I can feel an immediate connection. When they look up at me, their smile says “I know you even though we haven’t met before.” Sometimes they will share a story with me about their loved one with Down syndrome. Sometimes they won’t. Either way, I know by their smile. They love somebody with Down syndrome deep down in their heart.

It a beautiful connection, if only through a smile.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.