Why GiGi’s? | Heather Rodriguez

Howdy! I get to kick off my week sharing my FAVORITE place, the place the changed my entire life. GiGi’s Playhouse. For the past seven years, I have been fully (or as fully as a non-family member can be) engaged in the Down syndrome community. I celebrate and cry over every win and sorrow alongside a community that has welcomed me in. I have grown in ways I never imagined needing to grow, both personally and professionally. I no longer see the world the way I did seven years ago, honestly, it is hard to imagine myself before GiGi’s. One of the questions I am asked most often when people find out I am so engaged at GiGi’s Playhouse is “oh that’s so nice, do you have a relative with Down syndrome? How are you connected? Why?” I find myself thinking about these questions a lot. The answers have changed over the years. The simple answer is “No. In 2012 when GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse opened I had no connection to the Down syndrome community.” That has changed. Seven years later I am fully immersed in a community that has filled my heart with all the good feels, has challenged me to be better, dream bigger and be brave when I did not want to be.

So how did I get here and why is GiGi’s a solid piece of my heart? November 2012, GiGi’s Playhouse had been open just a few days when I heard about it. I had been trying to find a way to volunteer, all I knew at that time was I had a camera and maybe some pictures would be helpful. I was invited to come to Open Play. Oh goodness, I was so nervous! Would I say the wrong thing, would people think I was patronizing? I was the outsider here, I was the one who didn’t belong. I put on a big fake smile and walked in, that fake smile quickly melted away, replaced by a smile that went much deeper than my face. I could feel the good here. Little friends welcomed me to play and gave hugs that would melt the coldest of hearts. I listened as parents spoke of the struggles they were facing and saw how this community was so good at building each other up and offering support. I was drawn in and accepted. I was allowed to ask questions but most importantly in those first few months, I learned that Down syndrome is not a one size fits all diagnosis. This community is filled to the brim with amazing individuals who each add their own gift into this world. Life is life. Messy, hard, fabulous, joyful…..what we choose to make of it. Down syndrome did not change that truth. Sure there may some different twists in the road but really when we finally accept that different does not equal bad, the stuff of life becomes bearable.

As time went on, I made real friends, friends that encourage me and remind me to never give up! Friends who are my teachers.

I have fallen in love with people that I will spend the rest of my life going to bat for. The kiddos fill me to the brim with sweet hugs, sloppy kisses, and snuggles galore. The teens and adults are some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Always ready to listen, help and encourage! I am the luckiest.

The  “Why” question has become very easy to answer. This is a two-part answer. One, I am so selfish! I mean seriously look at the people who fill my life! I get way more out of this life than I will ever be able to give. I am a junkie for this good stuff. Secondly, we belong to each other. Wherever you are in this world your fellow humans need you and you need them. When we keep ourselves in a place where we are comfortable, only with people exactly like us we miss out on so much! Life is rich when we go beyond our own understanding, our own “normal” and take in all the beautiful differences the world has to offer.

Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse & working for the National Playhouse in Hoffman Estates has opened up a big beautiful world to me. Friends across the country, a network of people who have the same passion and vision, who are using their gifts and talents to change the way the world views individuals with Down syndrome & create acceptance for ALL! I cannot imagine what today would look like if I did not open that door seven years ago with my scared fake smile and walk in. I invite you to come for a visit, I would love to show you around. You just might be the next person to have their life changed for the better!