In Loving Memory: A Tribute to Lorraine Pope

A Message from Loving Sister & GLOBAL Supporter, Michele Ritter

It was a scorchingly hot July day in 1973 when my sister Lorraine came into our world. Our mother’s pregnancy had been normal and no additional prenatal testing had been recommended. My grandmother and I waited at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, while my mother labored; we feared something was wrong as the hours dragged by and we had no word. Our concerns were realized when my father came to tell us that we had a baby girl — but she was struggling. Lorraine had been whisked off to NICU and the attending pediatrician told my parents he thought she may have Down Syndrome.

I first held Lorraine that evening. She was so tiny, so beautiful and so very perfect. I fell in love with her.

Lorraine spent much of the first few months of her life in the hospital. I remember visiting her while she was in a nebulizer tent, putting my hand into the space where I could hold her little one. When her fingers curled around mine I knew she was my most special, darling girl for life.

The next 13 years went by in a flash. Lorraine lived with us at home and reached developmental milestones on her own timeline. She was my best buddy and we loved singing together and going out for ice cream. Little did I know then that these would become traditions that would continue throughout Lorraine’s lifetime.

Lorraine moved to the Cedars of Marin, in Ross, California in 1986. Her new home was beautiful and her life at the Cedars offered her a community of friends and wonderful opportunities. And Lorraine embraced them all with enthusiasm: weaving, swimming in the Special Olympics, bowling, painting, singing, dancing and so much more. Her effervescent personality, infectious giggle and ability to bring happiness to anyone in her orbit established her as a beloved member of the Cedars’ community.

We loved visiting Lorraine at the Cedars and did so often. Our sons enjoyed annual cheerleading trips for Lorraine when she competed in Special Olympics and we all became proud owners of the award winning napkins, table runners and art Lorraine sold in San Anselmo at The Artist Within boutique. We participated in many Friday night singalongs at the Cedars when Lorraine would belt out her signature song, “Tomorrow,” from the musical Annie. Lorraine led us on a quest to discover the best places in Marin County for cheeseburgers, ice cream, pizza, bowling and Italian food. Her friends and the staff at Cedars became family to us through the 39 years Lorraine lived there. They enveloped us in their culture of compassion, kindness and inclusivity.

Several years ago, we met Anna and John Sie through mutual friends at the University of Colorado College of Music. Anna introduced us to Michelle and Tom Whitten. The timing was miraculous, but then again, Anna was an angel who always helped others in their time of need. Lorraine had begun to experience health challenges, and Michelle and her team at Global gave our family the resources and tools to navigate them and provide the best options available for my sister. They were there for us, holding us through difficult times and joining our family to celebrate Lorraine’s life at the Cedars in July.

One of the lines from Lorraine’s favorite song, “Tomorrow,” promises a brighter future:
“The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun…”.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation will make that brighter future come true.