My Grandma used to wrap presents in newspaper. In the opening, my fingers would be covered in smeary black smudge, but as a kid who cared? My Grandma didn’t much care either, which is why she didn’t spend time buying pretty wrapping. What was important to her was the giving. Now I look back and … Continue reading Got Curiosity?
I Wonder, Wonder, Wonder
Wil talks all the time. He talks to me, he talks to friends, he talks to himself. I wonder at the time, listening to him today, how one hesitant word was cause to drop everything and celebrate. His verbalization today was once a distant, fuzzy dream. Like reaching for a cloud that my hands couldn't … Continue reading I Wonder, Wonder, Wonder
Extra Chromosome = Extra Life
Yesterday Wil and I were driving to get his hair cut. Wil always takes my phone, searches what he wants to play on Amazon music. If he diverges from Luke Bryan he’ll say to himself, “how to spell Dierks Bentley” and type it out using phonics. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it leads to frustration … Continue reading Extra Chromosome = Extra Life
An Ornamental Moment
Wil loves putting ornaments on the Christmas tree. Using his fine motor skills has always been a challenge for him; especially pinching. As you can imagine, placing ornaments with loops on top gets tiresome quickly for Wil — but Wil always finds a way. When his pinching fingers are worn out, he puts the ornament … Continue reading An Ornamental Moment
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!
Change Doesn’t Happen Until We Have Reason to Care
He’s a 16-year-old kid. He wants to be a 16-year-old kid the way he is, just like any 16-year-old kid wants to do things the way they do. Why should a kid with prosthetic legs be an inspiration when he plays baseball? He just wants to play baseball, and that’s the way he does it. … Continue reading Change Doesn’t Happen Until We Have Reason to Care
Not A Chromosome Too Many For Being His Best
Someone once said to me about Wil, “ but don’t you want him to be the best he can be?” This was in relation to a claim certain supplements could help take some of his Down syndrome features away. Of course, I want Wil to be the best he can be. But what I don’t … Continue reading Not A Chromosome Too Many For Being His Best
My Writing Summed Up in 7 Steps
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
Wild Cards & Wild Hairs
Picture day was today. Last night Wil took a shower in preparation, and spent extra time choosing a shampoo. I heard him talking to himself as he smelled each one. “Ewww! Too strong. Hmmm, this is old. Mmmm, smells good.” With his sisters gone to college, Wil can safely use what they’ve left behind without … Continue reading Wild Cards & Wild Hairs