Slugger starts foundation for Down syndrome families
Albert Pujols and I have something in common.
I’ve read that the first time he saw his wife, Diedre, he knew she was the one he would wed.
Funny, the same thing happened to me.
On my 18th birthday, Sept. 6, 1978, I met a fellow University of Kansas freshman named Carmen Walton. We were at a disco named Shenanigans. I swear, I fell in love at first sight. We’ll be celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary in August.
Carmen majored in early childhood special education. At that point in my life, I had no idea why anyone would want to teach children with special needs.
As I studied journalism, she learned how to educate autistic children, children with Down syndrome and severely and profoundly disabled special education children – those who were injured by trauma or were born with major mental and physical defects.
I’ve sat beside her on our bed for thousands of evenings and watched her create not only lesson plans for special needs children – which now include vision-impaired students, because she earned national certification in that field – but also opportunities to experience and enjoy laughter and life.
You see, there are few educational toys, games or high-tech gadgets that serve special needs children.
I’ve watched in amazement as my wife creates not only learning opportunities, but also joy for families with special needs.
As I’ve watched and learned, I’ve also had the honor to meet many of these families. I’ve volunteered with Special Olympics and shared other experiences with inspirational children and parents.
The moms and dads love their children as much as any child and they want them to experience life as best they can, regardless of their mental or physical disability.
For most, I’ve also seen how it hurts them to be apart from their child. While they trust educators and friends, they know their parental love and attention are keys to their child’s happiness.
Diedre and Albert Pujols’ daughter, Isabella, has Down syndrome.
Imagine trying to forge a Major League Baseball career with a special needs child.
You’re sitting in a hotel room in a minor-league city or town. You’re wondering how your son or daughter is doing, how your wife is coping. You’re no help. You’re out of town for days, sometimes weeks, at a time.
The Pujols’ family experienced this heartache, and now that this outstanding Cardinal and father is a superstar, he is striving to help families with Down syndrome children.
“I spend as much time as possible with God and my family. That’s more important than anything I’m doing in baseball,” Pujols says.
“Since this is so close to our hearts, this foundation is dedicated to the love, care and development of people with Down syndrome and their families.”
When Pujols smacked a pair of home runs on Monday, he vaulted himself to the forefront of the National League Most Valuable Player race.
But just think of how valuable he is to his family. Not financially, but by being there for his daughter whenever he can.
I have no doubt that Pujols would have done something quite similar to creating his foundation had he not been blessed with a special needs child. But the fact that he is now serving those families that have a fate similar to his is truly admirable and outstanding.
As my wife shares her off-hours with her special needs students by creating new ways to learn on weekends, the Cardinals game is often on. In our hearts, we give Pujols a standing ovation at every at bat.
She knows what it takes to be him, and I know that she knows what she is talking about.
For more information or to support Albert and Diedre Pujols’ new foundation, visit www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org or write to the Pujols Family Foundation: Pmb 180, 12545 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63141.
