Swingin' For Smiles
Our lives changed dramatically 20 years ago when our 11 year old son, Matthew Swanson, died tragically. Matthew, who happened to have Down Syndrome, was not given a life jacket when swimming with a group of special needs boys and young men one hot summer evening. He was a non-verbal, non-swimming child, with no life jacket on, when he drowned in Independence Lake that fateful day.
At that tragic time I was a Speech/Language Pathologist working with special needs students at Cornerstone Elementary and due to return to school 2 weeks later. My many colleagues in the Dexter Schools were incredibly supportive throughout this trying time. Judy Harnish and her staff at Cornerstone along with Roger Moore, and the staff at Bates Elementary, surrounded me and my family with love and care. They provided meals several days a week for myself, Matthew’s father, Mark, and our sons, Connor and Mitchell (10 yrs. & 2 yrs. old respectively, at that time). They called, sent cards, and completely understood when I needed to step away from working with children who were much like my son, for a time. The tight knit group of parents of special needs students were especially understanding and caring as well. During this healing time I came to understand that the Dexter Community was a special place.
Later, when returning to work, I became the Dexter Schools Early On Service Coordinator/ First Steps Supervisor. In this early intervention role I began learning about an infant mental health program developed at the University of Michigan by Selma Frieberg. I was fortunate to be mentored by a wise reflective supervisor, through the 'Michigan Infant Mental Health Association', every month for 12 years. With her guidance and encouragement I learned about parent-child attachment issues, social-emotional development of children, attunement, temperament and many other topics. I put that knowledge and my depth of experience as a mother of a special needs child to work daily. Although that job was emotionally challenging at times, I can truly say that Matthew’s legacy was formed as I witnessed the development of so many Dexter children. I was honored and grateful to join these families in the early years when they were most vulnerable and often very concerned about their child. Matt’s legacy was expressed in those relationships, in the parent support groups, parent’s night out, sensory night, fundraising pizza parties and field trips to fun places. I can honestly say that giving to this community and being loved and supported by my amazing extended family, was what held up my family and healed our broken spirits.
It’s ironic that a speech/language pathologist had a ‘non-verbal’ child I know. Matthew was non-verbal but quite possibly the most EXPRESSIVE child I have ever known. To quote his grandmother, “Words never cluttered up your (his) communication with the static of misunderstanding. You went straight to the heart” Matthew’s playful, connectional, loving, and expressive spirit guided and informed all of my relationships with local Dexter families with small children. The strong sense of community spirit that was and is alive in Dexter is what lead us to start this fundraiser. Matthew's short time on earth influenced many people’s lives for the better. I believe these fantastic “Expression Swings” will do the same.
Matthew LOVED to swing but wasn’t good at pumping his legs to make himself go. He needed someone to push him. Trouble with that was the pusher would most often get tired/bored standing there to push, long before Matt was tired of swinging. With those traditional swings, the pusher couldn’t see the expressions of joy on his face when doing what he loved. The playground equipment company, ‘Game Time’, changed all that with the innovative, cutting edge “Expression Swing”. These swings allow children of all ages to swing with another person, face to face. They also foster “attunement” which is the critical, healthy attachment between a caregiver and child. I might add that during this time of the covid pandemic it’s more critical than ever that our children experience the expressions on eachothers face while they play.
The goal of this fundraiser is to raise $12,000 to purchase 4 different types of “Expression Swings” and the frames to support them. We have gotten a hearty endorsement of the Dexter City Council and Dexter Parks and Recreation Committee. We feel confident that our goal will be met by February 2022 and that the swings could be purchased and placed in the spring of 2022. The Millcreek Park North and Community Park are potential parks where the “Expression Swings” will be located but those decisions will be made by the Parks and Recreation Committee in the future.
In closing, something to leave you with about swinging….
Why do children love to swing?Swinging stimulates different parts of a child’s brain simultaneously. It helps them develop skills such as spatial awareness, balance, rhythm, and muscle control. Even a quiet moment on a swing can help a child regulate their sensory system and help them develop the ability to adapt to different sensations. --“Neurochild”
Aside from all that…..it’s just plain fun!
Hope to see many of you parents and older siblings swinging in the spring!!
With much appreciation,
Julie, Connor, Mitchell and Mark Swanson