Last night my neighbor came over to deliver some squash and zucchini from her garden. Wil was sitting in the Lazy-boy watching Wild Kratts. He'd been to the pool, then outside playing, and had just finished eating dinner. He was chillin'. My neighbor, Nancy, asked him some questions. He didn't want to answer. Nancy takes … Continue reading Open the Door to LEt In the Know
Where There’s a Why
“Wil, are you going to get dressed?” “Why?” “Because its morning.” “Why Mom?” “Because the earth made another full rotation.” “Oh, ok.” Wil went to his bedroom and got dressed. Though Wil’s 8th grade year had its challenges, in comparison to his 7th grade year, it was smooth sailing. But it took what we learned in his … Continue reading Where There’s a Why
Vocal-Ease
It was just after 9 p.m. and I heard the back patio door click shut. I tucked Wil into bed only moments before. But I knew it was him. My alarm was set for 3:20 a.m. to rise for work, so I’d recently tucked myself into bed too. I got out of bed, walked to … Continue reading Vocal-Ease
Growing Pains
Wil went to the doctor for his well visit Friday afternoon. He’s now 5’4” and 136 pounds. Wil was a champion through all of the doctor’s tests and questions. In previous appointments, he would act silly if he didn’t understand a test, or glance at me when the doctor asked him a question. On this … Continue reading Growing Pains
Growth Rings
Last week, after swimming at the Saline Rec Center, I gave Wil a dollar bill and 2 quarters to buy a Gatorade in the vending machine. He held the dollar bill in a pincher grasp (between his forefinger and thumb). It took him a moment to steady the dollar bill so it would fit through … Continue reading Growth Rings
In Our Wheelhouse
Wil sat down in the outfield. A bead of sweat slowly slid down the side of his pink cheek. The outfield was made of rubber; I’m sure it felt like a cushiony relief to him. Wil gets overheated very easily. I placed an icepack I had carried with me on the back of his neck. … Continue reading In Our Wheelhouse
Stuck On You
I didn’t know exactly where or when Wil would get stuck at the party, but I knew it was a possibility. The graduate was one of his Connect mentors that he admires greatly. As Wil is used to her individualized attention at school, I knew he would expect that level of attention at her party, … Continue reading Stuck On You
Taking Note
On Wednesday, I opened Wil’s school folder and found a letter folded in half. There was an intricate drawing on the outside of the letter to make it appear an envelope. I opened the letter and a colorful “Hey Wil! Good Morning!” popped out at me. Along the side of the letter were the names of … Continue reading Taking Note
You Are Here
Like many mothers, I loved my son before he was born. My daughters and husband placed their hands on my belly and felt his kicks and punches. We pondered names and dreamed our dreams. The field of possibilities was laid open before us. The golden gates to that field slammed shut seconds after Wil was … Continue reading You Are Here
Once Upon a Hat
On Friday morning, Wil sat on his bedroom floor rifling through his bin of hats. He couldn’t decide which one. “Well, no hat then!” Wil announced to himself. “Do you need some help, Wil?” I asked. “No.” I sat down next to him and laid his hats on the floor. He turned them all down. We … Continue reading Once Upon a Hat