Caleb’s Story

We are so blessed in Arkansas to have such amazing families and individuals with Down syndrome. Each of these families has a unique story and one common thread, hope. We are here to encourage, empower and equip all Arkansans living with Down syndrome to achieve their Best of All. Caleb’s determination and strength in overcoming insurmountable obstacles is the reason we exist and what makes GiGi’s Playhouse Little Rock possible. Thank you, Caleb and family for encouraging GiGi’s Little Rock to push forward for Arkansans.

We asked Caleb’s family for his story. This is Caleb’s story…

Caleb Smith is a normal 14 year old from North Little Rock, AR.  He is such a ray of sunshine and loves to play video games, play with cars and the ladies, Caleb loves the ladies.  We knew from the beginning that he was going to be a special boy, but when he arrived 6 weeks early we did not understand just how special he would be.  The nurses came in and told us that Caleb had all the signs of Down Syndrome and they doctors would be doing testing to confirm and the results would be received in about 3 days.  Those 3 days were the longest and most stressful days we had up to that point.  After going to meet with the doctor those long days later, the diagnosis was confirmed, Caleb had Down Syndrome.  We were so scared and didn’t really know what to do, there were so many emotions, so many questions and uncertainty but the one thing we knew for sure was that we all loved this little boy and whatever life threw at us, he could overcome.  We would all overcome! Caleb has had 12 different surgeries in his 14 years.

At 6 weeks, Caleb started therapy and working to do the things that some doctors and others did not believe he could.  Over the next few years, Caleb grew so much and his lovable, sweet, loving and sometimes naughty personality began to shine.  When it was time for Caleb to start kindergarten, we were so afraid of how Caleb would be treated, would he be accepted, what if he was not able to communicate with teaches and peers.  There were so many unknowns and fears we all had to grow to overcome.

Caleb’s big smile and personality lights up every room he walks into, he makes friends everyplace he goes and touches the hearts of everyone.  Caleb will soon start the 8^th grade and like all teenagers he fusses about getting up and going to school.  He preps in the morning getting his hair just right and high-fives his buddies when he walks into school. 

Things that makes Caleb happy are his video games and his phone and like all kids his age, he does not like to do chores and sometimes if frustrated when he can’t do something.  Over the years, we have had many obstacles placed in front of us and know that there will be many more to come.  We are so excited about GiGi’s Playhouse and then many opportunities offered to help kids teach kids and young adults life skills.

Through all of Caleb’s 14 years there have been challenges, sad and happy times and know there are many more to come.  Over the next several years we all know that things will change, friends will change but our family and the love and support we have for Caleb will never falter!  He is our angel baby, sweet little man, our first and the love of our lives.

Life is not going to be easy and he will at times struggle, but he has too much determination and support to ever fail!