Tammy is my daughter, and I am proud to be her mother.
It seems in the past few years she has really blossomed, learning and discovering new things, making new friends, and enjoying all that life has to offer. She has really opened up, and as her mother, it has been very encouraging to see!
When Tammy was born forty two years ago, doctors said she'd never walk or talk. She was born severely brain damaged. Doctors advised us to put her away because "she'd never amount to anything". It was a shock; however, Gervais and I were determined to prove those doctors wrong and love her as much as our other children, Gerrett, Chlotilde, and Frederick. She was to be an important part of our lives.
Still is, even after all these years later.
Tammy is a most pleasant person: always laughing, always has a smile on her face. She loves listening to Cajun music (or going to the Cajun dances every weekend), playing with her toys, drawing, learning to write/read, and hanging out with her family or friends. She has the mind of a six year old child in an adult body, but she is one of the best friends I have ever known, besides being my daughter.
Tammy has such a soft heart, such a tender spirit. She hates to see anyone upset; if anyone she knows gets upset, she will cry and hug that person. Sometimes people don't understand her offlandish behavior, and they tend to judge her, which is wrong. Just because she is mentally disabled doesn't mean she has feelings or dreams! She is like any other person; she just happens to be slower than most!
Sometimes, in a fit of joy, Tammy will yell or clap her hands; this annoys people, too. I just lead her away if I think they are going to act ugly towards her. She doesn't understand about hatred or anger. Maybe that is a good thing because I hate to see her get hurt by a world who doesn't understand her or her disabilities.
Tammy works five days a week at a facility for people with disabilities. She assembles small plastic parts for piece rate; she's done this now for the past ten years. She loves it; she loves earning money even more. Every Friday, after work, she insists on going to the bank so she can put her "many dollars" into her savings account. She is saving up to buy a horse; that is one of her many dreams. She would love to have a horse of her own.
Tammy also wants to be a teacher. We know that this is physically impossible for her, but we don't discourage her. She can do anything she sets her mind to in our eyes; in our eyes, she can do no wrong. That's how much she means to us and to her brothers and sister.
Tammy is all excited about the big football game coming up tomorrow. The New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts are battling it out for Super Bowl Glory, and I believe she's ready. She has her "poms" and her cheerleading outfit with the Saints logo on the front, and I am sure she will be cheering her heart out during the entire game (as we all will; we're all big Saints fans). Lately, it's been "GO, Saints!"; Louisiana is awash in Saints Fever.
Tammy is no exception; she has Saints Fever really bad.
I just wish more people would get to know my daughter instead of shunning her. She did't ask to be born mentally disabled; it just happened. Tammy is a very sweet young lady, and I am proud to be her mama; she is a lot more capable than what people give her credit for!
Well, I have to get back to bed. I will write in here again another day; until later, this is Wanda Joyce Jagneaux saying so long! God bless you and talk to you again!
~Sincerely, Wanda Jagneaux, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. :)
