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
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
Rise & Shine
Last night Wil’s music therapist recapped his session with me. She said, “I know how hard positioning his fingers and his wrist is for him . I can see his restraint from giving up. He has a lot of focus to keep going. That shows me he has been well supported.” That last sentence 😭 … Continue reading Rise & Shine
With a little help from my friends
Wil had a very hard morning. He would not get out of bed. Would not budge. Usually I tickle his feet. He laughs, sits up and says, “Hug Mom!” He loves high school so even if he’s tired he is typically happy to get up and go. This morning was a throw back from the … Continue reading With a little help from my friends
Wil Rode the School Bus Today!
Wil rode the school bus today. In this house we take no such statements for granted. In middle school, Wil riding the bus proved unsuccessful. He was already having a hard time transitioning to a new school with new educators and hormones were in full effect. The middle school years are challenging; then add in … Continue reading Wil Rode the School Bus Today!
To “Be” or not to “Be”
At 53 years old I am a student. At 89 years old I will be a student. When I say goodbye to this world, I will be a student. Yesterday, I was trying to help a student who has autism. I was kind. I gave this student squeezes, I spoke calmly; soothingly. This student's aggravation … Continue reading To “Be” or not to “Be”
The Perspective of Time
Wil has grown so much in his 10th grade year, and I can’t thank Kristi Campbell, Hope Schook and Heidi Drake enough for that! For this fact, it gives me space to snicker when I read about a day like this: 10:05 Refused to work10:08 Turned it around10:25 Refused to work10:30 Turned it around1:50 Refused … Continue reading The Perspective of Time
The Cure
My son will not play in the NBA; my son will not invent a new vaccine. My son will not design a software program nor manage your finances. My son will not drive a car nor drive a recycling truck. But my son sang for nearly 4 hours on our drive up north without any … Continue reading The Cure
How We Celebrate
Wil chose not to wear green today. Just because he was told to. I wouldn't be surprised to find him dressed in green tomorrow; because it would be his choice. Wil did follow the color code on Valentine's Day. He had been coveting Elizabeth's neon pink shirt and she let him borrow it for the … Continue reading How We Celebrate
Inclusion Slam Dunk!
Wil’s paraprofessional, Kristi, told me how Wil — of his own will — went to the closet in gym class, pulled out two baskets and two balls. He proceeded to toss the balls in the baskets. His peers joined in his created game by cheering him on. Today I picked up Elizabeth, Wil and their … Continue reading Inclusion Slam Dunk!