So, do you remember being a kid? Well, this site and company is about capturing and remembering childhood through the eyes of a beautiful, special, 7 year old little lady by the name of Lillian.
When Lillian was 4 years old she began asking me to staple loose paper together for her in the style of a book. Then, she would draw or write stories or illustrations in her “book”. One day I asked her if she would like to write a book and she said “YES”. So, we have written 4 books since then (not published yet -that’s where Pink Elephant Books comes into the picture). We have ordered our ISBN numbers, located illustrators, the book printer we would like to use and once we and our company have the funds – we will publish those darn books.
Lillian chose the name of the company (Pink Elephant Books) and knows what she wants for the logo and we know how we want the website to look (again once the funds are there). In the meantime, we decided to share some of Lillian’s short stories, art work and photography. Some of the articles will be written by Lillian and some by me. She not only loves writing and making up stories, she loves to draw and is an amateur photographer.
My name is Camilla Downs and I am Lillian’s mom. There was no mistaking very early on how much of a love and passion for books Lillian held. She slept with books in her crib instead of stuffed animals for goodness sake! I believe that each of us has a unique gift that is tied to our passion in life and that this gift is also our strength. Then and now I wanted to raise my daughter knowing this and that if she was passionate about writing books, drawing and taking pictures then she should darn well do that! Lillian took this picture of me.
Oh yes, one other detail about Lillian. She was born with a Chromosome Disorder called 18p-. (The most common and well known chromosome disorder is Down’s Syndrome.) For more information about 18p- you can visit The Chromosome 18 Research & Registry Society. Lillian was born in 2001 and we did not know until 2004 that she had this “affliction”. Now, not everyone will agree with this; but, I tell Lillian periodically that she is very special and has issues and that she will use these “issues” to her advantage in her life.
The most prevalent issue Lillian has is her ability to communicate. Most of her speaking is unintelligible. I and close family members can understand some of what she says; but, most people would not understand her. I taught her sign language early on; so, we use that (I never taught her past the alphabet and single words) and now that she has learned to spell she will write out what she is trying to say or spell it with sign language. The school district has purchased an augmentative communication device for her that she is a whiz with using. So, we use this also. Lillian will use the V-Tec if it’s turned on; but, if not, she will use the other 2 methods (with some jumping up and down and some screaming thrown in). Has anyone ever played the game Cherades? Well, think about if you were playing it for about 5 years straight (and counting)!
Lillian also has some gross and fine motor delays. In addition, she is very short and small compared to her peers. Many of the children with this disorder are growth hormone deficient. Lillian’s was fine when it was checked last; but it’s time to be checked again.
There is something very special about this wonderful young lady – she has a unique energy about her. This is not only coming from her mom; but, others have commented on it as well. I invite people who have met Lillian (either in person or through me) and family and friends to Comment with their thoughts about Lillian.
