11.15.06: New Mother’s Luncheon

On November 15th, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis and the Pujols Family Foundation hosted a luncheon for younger moms (25 and under) who have a child with Down syndrome. When a child with Down syndrome is born, the DSA usually connects the new parents with volunteer parents who provide both information and support to them as they adjust to having a child with special needs. However, many of the younger moms (under the age of 25) also want to meet other moms closer to their age. Therefore, the DSA and the PFF decided to host a luncheon for them so they could meet each other and also hear some words of inspiration and encouragement from "more experienced" moms.

Fifteen moms, four dads and their babies all arrived at the Pujols 5 Westport Grill at 11am on a very wet, dreary Wednesday in November. As soon as they entered the restaurant, however, the smiling faces that welcomed each of them more than made up for the blustery day outside!

First, the moms brought their babies into one of the private rooms set aside for them, which was fully equipped with toys, blankets and wonderful volunteers. Next, they proceeded to another private dining room where they enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch. The four dads also had a private dining room and enjoyed their lunch with a couple of the DSA's "experienced" dads along with Todd Perry, the Pujols Family Foundation's Executive Director.

Darlene Martin, the DSA chairperson for this event, welcomed the moms and began the gathering with a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving. After enjoying the delicious lunch and some casual conversation, Darlene brought the group back together and shared her experiences of parenting a child with Down syndrome. Then Linda Orso, the Executive Director of the DSA of Greater St. Louis, and a parent of a 28 year old daughter with Down syndrome, shared some of her feelings and thoughts on parenting. Linda provided information to the new moms about the support and opportunities available through the DSA.

Todd Perry then introduced the special guest speaker, Deidre Pujols, mother of 9 year old Isabella. He also shared with the moms just how special of a calling God had placed on each of their lives in choosing them to parent a beautiful Down syndrome baby. Deidre shared her story of the first few years of raising a child with Down syndrome and the personal challenges she had to overcome. Her story moved everyone in the room and all the moms began to feel a unique bond with Dee Dee and with each other.

After the personal stories, it was time for some fun and the moms were all given many "blessings" from the Pujols Family Foundation in the form of huge gift baskets full of goodies for both baby and mom. In addition, Dee Dee personally handed out special gifts to each mom. The luncheon ended with a prayer of thanks for their many blessings. What a joyous ending to a wonderful and inspirational gathering on a cold and rainy November afternoon.

Meanwhile, back in the "baby room", the babies and toddlers were absolutely adorable! Dee Dee made a trip into the room during the luncheon to check on them and let the moms know that they were all doing fine. This was truly special because just before Dee Dee came into the room, several of the babies were a bit fussy. Some of the babysitters considered going into the luncheon and getting some of the moms because they were not sure they could comfort the babies. But the minute that Dee Dee walked into the "baby room", ALL babies and toddlers quieted down, became content and there was not a single cry heard. Certainly, there must have been some Divine intervention going on so that Dee Dee could return and assure the moms that all their children were doing just fine. The wonderful "babysitter angels" were four DSA "experienced" moms (Julie Williams, Ann Salamon, Christy Klaus and Cathy Murry) and 10 young ladies from Mercy Ministries. They took such wonderful and loving care of the children. Also, Jeff Pomranka, DSA's Chief Operating Officer, took off his official hat and hung out with the babies, playing and holding them for the hour and a half. It all went so well!!

Through the laughter and tears, and as they opened their hearts to one another, both the mom and the dads decided they would like to get together again. Darlene is already working on putting together a meeting for February.

This is what both organizations are all about…..blessing, serving and loving on folks!

Click here for photo slideshow