Steps in Time

Just 2 years ago during graduation party time I needed an eagle eye on Wil. At one party he fled the party and would not leave the front porch. At another he ran to a side street and sat in the middle of it. Yesterday, at each grad party he hung with his buddies. And made new buddies. He played cornhole with known and new friends. He joined a basketball game with upper classmen from MSU. At each party, I only went to check on him here and there. A stark contrast from two short years ago.

He’ll be a senior next year, and then likely on to a young adult program. When he’s 20 he may have a whole new level of independence from what he has now. Time, opportunities, supports and his own will will tell.

Every individual is their own, no matter their disability. We cannot define nor predict their growth, but we can observe, we can open doors, and we can learn where to step in and offer supports, and as I’m currently learning, when to step back.