Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 11, 2007

RANKIN INLET - It can be said every child is a miracle.

Nancy Manernaluk says her twins, born 25 weeks pre-mature, are a very special miracle.

Now six and a half years old, the children are learning to talk, walk and swim.

While this is usual for other children their age, it hasn't been as easy for Mercedes and Maurice Papak. Both are legally blind, and were recently diagnosed with autism.

"They've learned so much, everything that a normal kid does," said Manernaluk.

The twins had their first swim of the season July 4.

This is the third year the two have been swimming.

Although Mercedes has been walking since she was three, Maurice just learned to walk this year. Having started kindergarten with a walker, Maurice's whole class has shared in his accomplishments, said Pauline Fontaine, the manager of the group home where the twins live.

"When he walked in [to class], they were all amazed saying, 'He doesn't have his walker anymore," said Fontaine. "They're gradually becoming a part of this community."

Fontaine said the twins are learning to brush their teeth, to speak a few words, eat finger foods and drink out of a cup.

Having graduated kindergarten, the twins will move on to Grade 1 at Leo Ussak school.

As wonderful as their success has been, with their disabilities come more challenges. Fontaine said that with autism, the twins cannot distinguish between levels of sounds.

This makes it difficult for them to follow along in class.

As Grade 1 will have more structure, the twins will continue to struggle to lead a normal life. She noted that it's too early to tell what level of autism the twins are at.

Although those challenges still lay ahead, everyday that the children live and everything that they learn is a marvel for Manernaluk.

"My twins are a miracle," she said.

The twins are the second oldest of five children Manernaluk shares with Sandy Papak.