Sunday Brunch at the Playhouse

April 16, 2012

GiGi’s Sunday Brunch

or

Happiness in Harlem

Yesterday we were privileged to be the hosts for GiGi’s Playhouse NYC Sunday Brunch.  We also got to be the “grandparents” for every child in the room.  For other grandparents reading these words, it’s okay to be a little envious, but please understand, there was no intent of selfishness on our part – you are all welcome!  In addition, I would love to have the honor of welcoming the first great grandparent to GiGi’s.  Family is one of our most important words.

It was a sunny Spring morning.  We arrived at 10 am, just as Lisa was concluding a new infants PT session.  This was a pilot program that hopefully will lead to regular sessions.    While Marilee began setting up the buffet table, I did some organizing at the front cubby/sign in station.  I gently moved Carter’s stroller alongside Tarin’s.  While the mothers continued their conversation in the sofa area, the little ones slept on, into that place where innocents go.

I stood there, hands resting on the sign in table, momentarily fixed on the memory of my own little ones.  Glancing at the two strollers, I felt again the joy, the power of an infant to melt the heart.  My view continued on, past the desk, to the rear, the new walls of our literacy room – as yet unpainted.  A peripheral panorama revealed other unfinished details – the donor wall, the stage canopy, etc.  Builders do remember details – the element of timing is not always in sync.  I felt the anxiety of wanting to have it all done, right away, even though we’ve just begun.  There is no regret in sharing this thought.  I’ve learned from years in the construction business, and life, that things take time.  It’s true of GiGi’s Playhouse, too.  I’m not referring  to the physical environment, but more so that the building of the organization of GiGi’s Playhouse NYC will take time.  And in this time, the caring attitude and attributes  of so many will build GiGi’s into what our collective vision is, truly a place of hope and all things positive to assist the Down syndrome community.

Down syndrome makes no distinction between races or religion, cultures or positions in society.  New York City, by nature of being a world capital, is host to a density of diversity.  GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is here to serve you all.  We want you to come through our door.  Is there a language barrier?  We’ll try to have someone on hand you can converse with.  Not a big income?  Our programs are free, we are a nonprofit and there is no admission charge.  Physical handicap? We are barrier free, ADA equipped – we want you to roll up onto our stage.  Too many little ones to control?  Bring the sitter, grandparent or friend.  We’re a village, we’ll help you to or from the sidewalk – or the subway.  Have a vehicle?  Parking is available on the street or garage.  Food preference? Bring your own or let us know how we can accommodate.  You’ve just had a birth and can’t get out? Trying to adjust to life?  A child in the hospital? Do you just need someone to listen?  This is our job.  Let us know.  GiGi’s Playhouse is about possibilities.  Love will find a way.  If your life has been touched by Down syndrome, we want to be part of your family.  We want you to feel a part of ours.

 GiGi’s Sunday Brunch family quickly grew to 30! Infants to elders, three to six year olds, mothers and fathers.  My friend Laura, nine years old, came to me at the buffet table. With her hands around my waist, she looked up into my eyes and said, “Hi, Richard.”  It’s called trust.  It’s what we do at GiGi’s Playhouse.  Children do it best.  For all, search for that child within.  Parents, Grandparents, Board members, volunteers, the Down syndrome families we have not reached yet: keep in mind that in many respects we are all new.  What is not new is Love.  This is our guarantee of success.  There is time, and remember, you are not alone, we are a family.  Yes, we are at the beginning, but Love will take us there, from this place, on a grand journey.  Welcome to GiGi’s Playhouse!

Next GiGi’s Sunday Brunch

Sunday, April 22 

11am to 2 pm

106 West 117th Street

Harlem, New York

ALL WELCOME!! Make your plans today.

See our website calendar for other upcoming events. www.gigisplayhouse.org. Click on location – New York.

Richard Reilly

The Grandparent Connection