TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A new swing added to the playground at the Deming Early Learning Center isn’t just a new addition for kids to play on, but it’s also a way for one family to honor their daughter’s legacy.
21 years ago, John and Sallee Collett lost their daughter, Jackie, at the age of nine due to her being born with an umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, causing brain complications and cerebral palsy.
The Colletts said even though Jackie’s time on this earth was short, she made a huge impact while here.
“She was never able to speak, but you would be shocked at just how much she did teach us in her short life here. She enjoyed simplicity and, I guess, she was so symbolic of universal love,” said Sallee Collett, Jackie’s mother.
After Jackie’s death, the Colletts created an endowment in her honor, along with a garden and statue at Deming Park.
“When she did pass, and because there was so much joy brought to kids in our community, despite their abilities, it just seemed natural for us to continue that symbolism of Jackie’s love for all,” said Sallee Collett.
Now the Colletts, along with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, have donated an adaptive expression swing to the Deming Early Learning Center. Sallee Collett said they wanted to provide the center with a swing set that all kids could play on.
“I think sometimes people don’t realize just how disheartening for children to sit on the sidelines and watch their peers play. And so I don’t think there is any more natural place for that to happen than a playground,” said Sallee Collett.
Principal of the Deming Early Learning Center, Chrissy Jarvis, said this swing will bring so much joy to the kids who may not always be able to play with their peers.
“I’m just thrilled to see when I have students that can interact and play with those neurotypical peers and to just see the joy on their face, because, you know, it was disheartening for me to watch them sometimes to sit out on the sidelines, whether they’re in their chairs or just unable to have those experiences,” said Jarvis.
Even if Jackie isn’t here to enjoy the swing herself, the Colletts said seeing other kids enjoy it will fill their hearts with joy.
“I’m really excited about it. It brings us such joy to, after so many years, to see Jackie’s mission still come to play,” said Sallee Collett.
