A follow-up to Monday’s post, “Processing Time,” about Wil's Taekwondo tournament experience… Last night at the conclusion of Wil’s Taekwondo class, Senior Master asked the incoming class to take a seat on the mat. Senior Master then asked Wil if he'd like to perform his forms to earn his medal. Senior Master said Wil had … Continue reading Progress Time
Processing Time
Wil attended his first taekwondo tournament last Saturday. The environment had the potential of causing sensory distress within Wil. I had been to many taekwondo tournaments in the past with Katherine, as she worked her way up to a blackbelt. There would be many people moving around on the gym floor, and spontaneous announcements over … Continue reading Processing Time
Another Gear
I pulled up in the driveway at 7:45AM after coaching. Just as I was about to exit my car to go inside our home and check on Wil’s readiness for school, he ran outside and into the car! He was fully dressed, complete with his hoodie, backpack and even socks (which sometimes prove challenging for … Continue reading Another Gear
A Good Morning!
Wil set the alarm on his iPad last night for school (I showed him how after asking the twins if they had an old alarm clock Wil could use. Elizabeth said, “Mom, just use his iPad” 🙄). On mornings I work, Katherine or Elizabeth typically wake Wil. He is very independent now, and it’s getting … Continue reading A Good Morning!
I Believe Most People Are Good (Luke Bryan song)
I saw it in his eyes. He wanted to bolt. If he found a crack in the crowd, he’d force his way through like a flower through a concrete slab. At 5’5” and 155 pounds, clad with big blue noise-cancelling headphones, people would step back startled and stare, walk around and give him space, rather … Continue reading I Believe Most People Are Good (Luke Bryan song)
Out-Turn
Most mornings these days Wil wakes up happy and cooperative; he’s nearly sixteen years old now. We have a few morning struggles but nothing like his earlier years. He enjoys school, seeing his friends, and his independence. We talk about what day of the week it is, the month and the season. Wil keeps close … Continue reading Out-Turn
Unwrapped
Wil double-stepped down the broad concrete steps. He paused. Then he threw both arms back, hinged forward at the waist, and propelled himself over the last step. Mid-air he hollered, “Jump!” He landed flat-footed and straight-legged. Dang, when will he ever bend his knees? “Mom, jump!” He yelled. I exaggeratedly swung my left arm back, … Continue reading Unwrapped
A Dose of Happy
After coaching this AM, I pulled into our attached garage. Wil, hearing the garage door lift, opened the side door from our house into the garage. He stood there, with his short hair a fuzzy mess, navy blue donut pj bottoms, and one of his many Buddy Walk t-shirts. I responsively smiled at him through … Continue reading A Dose of Happy
Word Up!
When Wil tries to figure something out, he has a back-and-forth conversation with himself: "Wear the grey shirt? Yes, yes, the grey shirt." This will go on for his hat and shorts, too; and with most any task that requires decision-making. He's been having these conversations for about 5 years now. At first, I was … Continue reading Word Up!
Yesterday Was a When
Yesterday, Wil and I had lunch and a conversation on the back porch. One night, I sat on the edge of Wil’s bed. It was the school year of 2016. In the quiet before sleep, Wil was most apt to share his day. I always started with questions about his friends and lunch; they were … Continue reading Yesterday Was a When