Christie Taylor Uncategorized

RISE UP WEDNESDAY!

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RISE UP WEDNESDAY!!
When I told my dad I was running a 50 mile race this upcoming August he said, “I think that is great. I think you may be a little crazy but I think that is great.”
I believe he summed up life beautifully in those few words. I believe you have to be a little crazy to make a great life. To ride your own path, to take the bumps that come along with it, and most definitely to have a good friend to share this ride with.
***RISE UP will continue November 11. Matt and I are headed to FL for a week to celebrate our 20th Anniversary! The kids will be spending time with my amazing parents.

Christie Taylor Uncategorized

RISE UP TUESDAY!

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RISE UP TUESDAY!
Last night was not a good sleeping night for Wil. He is typically up once or twice during the night but last night he was up multiple times. I’m not sure if it was the excitement of Halloween the night before(he didn’t eat much candy) or if it was just one of those nights. I was feeling groggy when my alarm went off at 4AM. I shuffled into the kitchen, my head down, and ground some coffee. In Wil’s light sleeping state, the grinder woke him up and he opened his bedroom door. Upon seeing the light on in the kitchen, with great enthusiasm Wil said, “Oh, good! It’s morning!”
I had to laugh, as he didn’t have any more sleep than I did. I settled him back into bed, and thanked him for his reminder.
My day is already brighter than it started just a short time ago. My head is now up. My shuffle is gone. How could it not be when “Oh, good! It’s morning!”

Christie Taylor Uncategorized

Rise Up!

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Today is the last day of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. What I have most enjoyed sharing Wil and Down Syndrome Awareness Month with you is what you have shared with me. You taking the time to message me a personal experience about a friend or loved one with Ds, or sharing how these posts gave you newfound knowledge in a positive way. Making that connection is what this is all about.
Robert Langdon Down described Ds in 1866, thus the name “Down” syndrome. That name choice is unfortunate. As many have said before me, Down syndrome would more accurately be called “Up” syndrome. Having a child with Down syndrome has definitely lifted me up in countless ways.
I don’t pretend this is an easy journey. That would be misleading and unfair. I want you to know the challenges. I invite you to stop looking for the easy way, there is no victory there. I believe in simple, yes, but I no longer believe in easy. It is an empty place. It is the challenges that have most lifted me “Up.” It is in the challenges that I have been placed on the same paths of extraordinary people. People that lead by example and encourage me to continue to grow beyond my preconceived capacities. It is in this growing, and also in giving back to those new to this path, that I have discovered how very powerful the simplest joys in life are. This knowledge delivers great fulfillment and excitement with each new day. Not because life is easy, but each day offers a new opportunity to grow and give back with it.
That is why I have decided to continue on with short morning posts called “Rise Up!” A morning burst of energy, inspiration and awareness to take with you through your day. I hope you will continue to share your stories and comments so they may also lift me through my day. Making that connection is what this is all about.
Rise Up!