I think all of us look at our seniors in wonder. Because when they are born, that’s all we can do; we can never quite know how the future will unfold. I still wonder as I look back on how he — and we all — got here. I cannot fully express my gratitude for … Continue reading It’s a Wonder
Lightweight Powerhouse
This morning I lifted arms, and was in between weight choices — one was a little too heavy and one a little too light. I chose the lighter weight today. I really focused on contracting my muscle and slowing down. Veins and muscles popped with the lighter weight as I was super focused on form. … Continue reading Lightweight Powerhouse
Age is Just All Numbers
Wil and I decorated the Christmas tree. It’s the first time we’ve done it just the two of us. Usually the twins are here so he’ll hang a few ornaments, but then move on to singing or other activities around us. As Wil was home sick, and we needed low-key activities to stave off boredom, … Continue reading Age is Just All Numbers
The Bright Side
Elizabeth sent me this picture of her and her sorority sister, Isabelle. They were visiting a cider mill and enjoying the day with their sisters. I love to see her big heart and smile, and loving life on her own. She has more than earned this time. She and her twin sister, Katherine, are great … Continue reading The Bright Side
Lift in Learning
Wil jumps on the trampoline. Free. Fun. Full of joy. His play is not forced; nor is it self-conscious. He hoots, he hollers. He’s in the moment. When tiredness sets in he rests. He sits on the black circular mat, looks around, and soaks in the feeling of his heart relaxing. This is not a … Continue reading Lift in Learning
It’s the Chocolate Chips in Life
“It has chocolate chips in it, Mom.” It’s those details that you never miss. The telling me about something, when at one time he couldn’t. I used to ask questions I knew he could answer. Because if he didn’t think he could, he’d shut down and I’d get nothing. When Wil used to eat a … Continue reading It’s the Chocolate Chips in Life
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 … Continue reading Steps in Time
Patience v Desire to Understand
I’m not a patient person. But I’ve been called patient a lot since raising Wil. And I started to believe I grew in my patience. It’s possible I did. Last weekend Wil got stuck, and we had a very important wedding to get to. As the clock ticked I grew very frustrated. I wasn’t feeling … Continue reading Patience v Desire to Understand
Stages of Independence
I sat in my seat as Wil walked up on stage to receive his school honors. He needed no support or assistance. He, like his peers, walked from his seat to the stage and back to his seat. As he returned to his seat, I waved so he could find me, but he didn’t need … Continue reading Stages of Independence
Whale Starts with W
“I swallowed a marble.” I was in the living room. Wil was sitting in his bedroom adjacent to the living room. Wil often talks to himself – many of us do. It helps us better process our thoughts, and it’s the same for Wil and for many people with Down syndrome. I quite like eavesdropping … Continue reading Whale Starts with W