Honoring My Baby Sister

Guest Post by Margaret Kunz

I am not sure how to describe my happiness to be involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. My explanation is extremely personal and brings me unspeakable sorrow, as well as great joy and peace. 

Sixty-five years ago, my little sister, Diane Ruth Sherwood, was born. I was told she was a “Mongolian baby”, and she would never grow up, never walk, talk, feed herself, go to school, play with me, ride bikes, play baseball, run or roller skate, and she would be in diapers forever.

The doctors told my parents they could not take care of her. So, my parents said she would live with us for a few months but after that, she would be placed in a home for kids like her. Forever. We visited various orphanages and institutions and would get out of the car with Diane in a baby carriage, to walk around so I could see how “nice” they were. In my memory, they were horrible, barren, gray, windowless, gated places, with no flowers, trees, birds chirping, or children laughing.

I remember being so sad. I got in trouble once for putting Diane and her blankets in the buggy and “kidnapping” her to keep her from going to an institution. I got caught, of course, about five blocks from our house. At five-years-old, running away with my sister seemed like the best solution for us to stay together.

My mother and father had no one to turn to. I went with them to doctors’ offices and overheard their conversations with nurses, and with the Pastor as they tried to figure out a plan. My aunts and uncles agreed with the guidance of the time, that Diane should be sent away. They said raising her would be too much for my parents. After all, they had two other daughters; one being a highly energetic 5-year-old old who made decisions without asking for help or permission.

But Diane never went to an institution. In addition to Down Syndrome, Diane was born with a heart condition. During my mother’s pregnancy she was given a drug called Thalidomide for morning sickness. Widely prescribed in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, we now know it carries an extremely high risk of severe, life-threatening birth defects. Diane passed away when she was just a few months old. God decided to make Diane an Angel instead of an orphan, and brought her home to be with Him.

In hindsight, I really don’t know if my parents would have sent Diane away. I believe they were seeking alternatives to care, and struggling with the devastation of having to abandon their child.

Fast forward 65 years, my daughter, Jeannie, heard about the volunteer opportunity to lead Music Makers at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit.

She suggested I join her, and of course, I said YES! I bet she did not know it would release this old woman’s sad soul and allow for positive, beautiful new memories to flood my heart. 

When I stepped into the Playhouse, it was like stepping away from a bad dream.

I saw giant pictures of individuals with Down syndrome smiling! I saw toys and a place for all children to play and be accepted.

During our program, I get to witness the joy of each participant as they experience and interact with musical instruments, rhythm, other children, volunteers, and their parents! For me, the very best part is seeing parents smiling and engaging with their beautiful sons and daughters. I know my mother and father would have wanted that with Diane.

The memory of my sister, Diane, is a Beautiful Whisper of Love that has embraced my heart for 70 years. Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit fills me with gratitude to see how far we have come as a society. The families and volunteers here recognize the inherent value and worth of every human. We will do whatever is necessary to keep spreading awareness and creating more opportunities for these children.

Thank you so much for sharing this tender story with us, Marge!

In the heart of every family’s journey lies a tale of surprise, grief, love, strength, and unwavering determination. Here at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we are continually moved and inspired by the #MyDSStory submissions we receive from family members, volunteers, educators, and friends.

Reminder to all, we would LOVE your help generating stories and shifting perceptions of individuals with Down syndrome.

Email your #MyDSStory to bwells@gigisplayhouse.org.