Kids are funny. Heck, an old television show, Kids Say the Darndest Things, was conceived because of the hysterical stuff that spills out of the mouths of babes.
And it doesn’t matter if it’s a typically developing youngster or a child with special needs — they all have the ability to conjure up a good old belly laugh.
Rob Snow of Medina knows all about the groans and guffaws that accompany raising a child who takes a little longer to do things like reading, writing and arithmetic.
“We Need a Sign” is Rob’s comedy show about raising a son, Henry, 5, with Down syndrome (DS).
During performances, he tells the audience about the commonalities shared by parents of children with special needs. The show uses Rob’s comedy background (he performed at Chicago’s Second City) to entertain while delivering a poignant message that delves into a range of topics, including maintaining a sense of humor when things get dicey, and the joys of having someone with special needs in your life. It also makes light of the, uh, interesting comments that occasionally slip out of the mouths of adults who are momentarily experiencing a brain fart.
In response to those remarks, Rob wrote a book, What I Should Have Said. He cautions that it needs to be read with a mix of humor and sarcasm. It should not, he adds, be used as a guide for ways to react to uncomfortable comments, but rather amusing responses that parents can privately play out in their heads.
For example, if someone states “I admire people like you so much.” Rob’s cranial response, might be “We get that all of the time. Being incredibly good-looking is not as hard as it seems. That is what you were talking about, right?”
Or in reply to “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” Rob might wonder whether the well-intended stranger was calling his son a lemon.
If a person were to ask whether he thought there might be a cure for his child’s “disease,” Rob’s unspoken response might go like this: “I can only hope that someone somewhere can stop the horrific infliction which causes unbearable cuteness, unstoppable hugs, and the destructive ability to view life in the most beautiful way possible.”
You get the picture. But between the laughs, Rob is teaching valuable lessons about loving an atypical child.
“We Need a Sign” isn’t Rob’s only act. The guy, whose day job is working in sales, also has two other shows that he performs around the country.
“Minimize the Mountain” is about overcoming or minimizing obstacles. And “How Bout … Just Treat Each Other Right” is a good-humored show for kids, teens, and young adults about treating others with respect, bullying, and the lasting effects of the R-word.
Foundation
Concerned about the lack of funding for the Down syndrome community, Rob and his wife, Ellen, formed a nonprofit organization in early 2013. Stand Up for Downs produces comedy events to raise money for organizations and causes that benefit those living with DS. Saturday evening, Rob and his older son, Charlie — who is celebrating his 10th birthday that day — are offering up laughs in Chicago.
In the first year, the efforts of the Snows, as well as those who sit on the organization’s board, raised about $50,000. This year, they expect to bring in about $100,000.
Kudos to the Snows and those who help them with this awesome mission. And thank you, Henry, for being the inspiration.
Showtime
A local show that supports Stand Up for Downs is scheduled for Nov. 1 at Main Street Cafe, 17 Public Square, in Medina.
The early show, which starts at 7:30 p.m. is rated PG-13. The R-rated version begins at 9:30 p.m.
To buy advance tickets, learn more about the foundation, buy Rob’s book or contact him about a show, visit www.standupfordowns.org or www.weneedasign.net.
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com. Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kim.honemcmahan.