If I were to sum up my writing surrounding Wil in 7 steps it would be: Wil wants and deserves to be treated as you’d treat anyone. As the individual he is. But, 47 chromosomes has an impact on Wil. To respect him for who he is, you cannot have an idealized view of what … Continue reading My Writing Summed Up in 7 Steps
Appreciation of the Destination
Matt and I went out on the paddle boards and took Wil in the kayak. Wil was very proficient at paddling backwards, but didn’t quite catch on to paddling forward. Wil found himself deep in the lily pads— he got frustrated, so Matt went back to get a bungee out of the truck, and bungeed … Continue reading Appreciation of the Destination
On Teenage Terms
Wil was being a full-on teenager and I was being a full-on frustrated parent of a teenager. I had prepared him for this orthodontist appointment for over a week. And he likes the orthodontist. He likes the orthodontic hygienists. He likes picking out new colored bands for his braces. The issue was not the orthodontist. … Continue reading On Teenage Terms
Self-Care, Self-Realization, Self-Worth
I just read an article about self-care in raising a child with Down syndrome. Eat healthy, load up on those fruits and veggies. Drink lots of water. Get more sleep. Oh, and don’t forget to carve out personal time for you. The author qualified that this can be challenging when you have a child with … Continue reading Self-Care, Self-Realization, Self-Worth
Firmly Rooted
This Monday there was not a 7 minute standoff success story as I shared last Monday. In fact, after 20 minutes I remained the only one standing. After giving Wil silent time to process, there was not a hint of progress. I tried being silly. Wil loves being silly, so the tug to join my … Continue reading Firmly Rooted
Pinnacles
This blog isn’t about Wil, it’s about me in relation to Wil. And I guess all my blogs are really about that. Because I had no clue how to raise a child with Down syndrome. And I don’t think many of us do. There are parenting books, but how many of your typically-developing kids fit … Continue reading Pinnacles
7 Minute Standoff
Yesterday Wil and I had a 7 minute silent standoff. He refused to go to summer speech and occupational therapy. He loves going, so I knew I had a chance of working through what was holding him back. He was playing karaoke and didn’t want to stop — totally understandable. I told him he could … Continue reading 7 Minute Standoff
Parking Lot
I just returned from Wil's bike camp. And I'm really, really fortunate, you know? Because Wil can go to bike camp. Bike camp is outside in a big, nondescript asphalt parking lot. The parking lot is in the middle of a neighborhood, so there are ample dog walkers, stroller-pushers, and an errant horn honk or … Continue reading Parking Lot
The Amazing is in The Choice
There is no magic formula to acceptance of our friends with disabilities. Acceptance, in its essence, is very simple. You don’t need to be a special person. You don’t need to be born kind or compassionate or patient.You don’t need to be energetic or inspirational. You don’t need to be anything other than willing to … Continue reading The Amazing is in The Choice
Special Needs Siblings
These two young women have stepped up to the plate more than most realize; and they do it with love and grace. That said, Katherine and Elizabeth treat Wil like any little brother — loving him, being annoyed with him, and standing up for him. Their life requires an extra level that is not easy … Continue reading Special Needs Siblings