Laura soon grew close to Danielle and her family. When Danielle became eligible for adult residential services at 21, she moved in with Laura and her husband, Scott, in 2007. They’ve shared countless adventures and everyday moments filled with laughter ever since.
As a teenager, Danielle once flirted with Scott, prompting Laura to tease, “Danielle, you realize he’s mine.” Danielle looked her straight in the eye and replied, “I don’t care.”
Adventures Above and Below the Water
Danielle has traveled to Alaska, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. She loves fast roller coasters and has gone tandem ziplining with Scott in the Dominican Republic. On a ziplining outing in Jamaica, she was delighted to be paired with a tall, handsome guide who carried her over muddy trails. “Hello! Hi! Hello!” she kept saying, clearly enjoying the attention.
Her love of swimming began with her dad, Stanton, who took her to the pool every week. Although physical changes sometimes make movement difficult on land, Danielle is confident and strong in the water. “When she’s in the water, it’s like all of those physical limitations just disappear,” Laura says.
Danielle loves snorkeling, too. A mask that lets her see underwater without getting her face wet opened up a new world of discovery. Spotting colorful fish, she excitedly called, “Look at the Tweeters!”
Music, Chocolate and a Language All Her Own
From Britney Spears and ’90s boy bands to ’80s hair metal, Danielle loves music with a strong beat. At a Britney Spears concert when she was about 14, she was so excited that Laura had to keep her from rushing toward the stage. During a Celtic Woman concert at Red Rocks, Danielle surprised Laura by singing along to a chorus in Gaelic after hearing it just twice.
More recently, Danielle, her mom Jane E, and Laura traveled to Arizona to see Lady Gaga. The three dressed in dark costumes for the occasion. Jane E remembers that Danielle “could not stop smiling,” describing the evening as “without a doubt, a highlight for me.”
Music and familiar phrases also help Danielle communicate. She has adapted a line from Star Wars—“These aren’t the droids you’re looking for”—into her own expressions, including “This is the music you’re looking for.”
Even “chocolatey” can mean something she simply loves. Laura calls it the “Danielle-to-English dictionary.” Danielle catches jokes, follows conversations and delivers comments that surprise people who underestimate her.
Making Friends Wherever She Goes
On cruises, Danielle gravitates toward the music, lights and friendly bartenders at the Alchemy Bar. One bartender, Anna Lucia, even made a special mocktail with chocolate-filled raspberries just for her. Another time, a ship’s captain recognized Danielle and invited her to a private gathering.
She is also a devoted hockey fan. When she met Colorado Avalanche player Adam Foote, she greeted him with “Hi, Mr. Footy!” He stopped to talk directly with her and offered an autograph. Danielle still cheers enthusiastically when someone scores—no matter which team.
The Joy of Being Danielle
One especially meaningful trip was a cruise celebrating a milestone birthday for Jane E. Extended family members who had not traveled with Danielle since childhood were amazed to see the confident, outgoing woman she had become. Rather than quietly observing, she joined the fun and connected with people everywhere she went.
“They got to see the grown-up Danielle,” Laura remembers. “She’s just able to be Danielle.”
Danielle has also been part of CLA’s CLASS Day Program since 2007, building friendships and enjoying activities and outings. Her friend James even has a special chair beside him that everyone knows is Danielle’s spot.
With her parents, Jane E and Stanton, her twin brother Ari, Laura and Scott, and her friends at CLASS, Danielle has a circle of people who appreciate her for exactly who she is: funny, adventurous, affectionate and completely unforgettable.
And if Danielle has anything to say about it, there will always be room for another adventure, more music and, of course, plenty of chocolate.
