Five years ago, on a misty Christmas Eve in Toronto, a life-changing moment unfolded for Dyanna McILwain. What she thought was a simple holiday visit to pick up her infant great-granddaughter for a week turned into a permanent commitment that would redefine her life.
A Permanent Christmas Gift
When Dyanna, now 73, arrived at the foster home, she found a Children's Aid Society worker and a tearful foster mother. The worker delivered unexpected news: "She's yours for good." The foster mom, through her tears, told Dyanna, "You're the luckiest person in the world." Reflecting on that emotional handover, Dyanna states, "It was the best Christmas I ever had."
The child, Ranee-Jessie Maxwell, is now a spirited five-year-old with Down syndrome. Her journey to her great-grandmother's care stems from a difficult family history of addiction, but that past is overshadowed by the vibrant present they share. "I wouldn't give her up for the world," Dyanna says. "It would break my heart. She's my reason for living."
Finding a Community at Variety Village
Ranee-Jessie's boundless energy and joyful spirit have found a perfect home at Variety Village in Scarborough, a unique Canadian facility dedicated to sports and activities for all, where half its members have a disability. Though a newcomer, Ranee-Jessie's impact was immediate; she was quickly asked to become a young ambassador for the Village.
The connection began last summer after a community counsellor, who also has a child with Down syndrome, recommended the Village's epic summer camps. Dyanna recalls the independence it fostered: "She went in, said, 'Bye, Momma,' and she was off for the day." The positive change was evident. "After a week, I knew this was the place for her. The staff here are just amazing... I could see the change. Her principal could see the change. She was happier, she wanted to do things."
Now, Ranee-Jessie participates in weekend programs like Social Explorers, which teaches social skills, and enjoys swimming—she's even learning to somersault. Staff member Gina Brockerville is teaching her sign language.
Overcoming Challenges with Joy
Ranee-Jessie's path hasn't been without medical hurdles. Just two weeks after the permanent custody transfer, she underwent a three-hour heart surgery, a common procedure for children with Down syndrome. "She's just starting to realize she has scars," Dyanna notes, but they don't slow her down.
Her personality shines brightly. She loves pink, shopping, and greeting everyone she meets. "She says hi to everybody. If you don't say hi back, she cries," Dyanna explains. "She thinks you don't like her. She doesn't understand some people are just too busy." Ranee-Jessie, who calls her great-grandmother "Momma," is also a chatterbox with a noted talent for music, according to her kindergarten teacher.
Her current career aspiration? To be a doctor. She practices with a toy medical kit, offering diagnoses like, "Wait five minutes," or, "Get some rest."
Looking to the Future
Dyanna is acutely aware of the age gap between them and harbors a heartfelt wish. "I'm not overly religious, but I do pray for the strength to stay healthy long enough to see her grow up, maybe until she's 20," she shares. "At least I know she can always come here." Variety Village represents not just a present haven but a promise of ongoing support for Ranee-Jessie's future.
The story of Dyanna and Ranee-Jessie underscores the transformative power of love and community support. Their bond, forged on a Christmas Eve and nurtured at a place like Variety Village, serves as a powerful reminder of family's enduring spirit. As Ranee-Jissie dashes through the Christmas party, full of life and laughter, it's clear that the best gifts often come in unexpected packages.
