The teenaged lifeguard; tall, lean and curly-haired, stood on the edge of the wave pool blowing his whistle — at me. I saw her face in his; though she was his senior by at least 20 years, with straight brown hair and a brisk uniform. She was resolute to get Wil’s boarding pass — from … Continue reading It’s in the Experience
A Little Can Mean a Lot
Yesterday I went to Wolf's Westside Automotive Service for an oil change. I had been there the previous day to have my tire patched. When I came in for my tire, the front door was propped open, the garage bay doors rolled up, and a refreshing breeze flowed through the lobby. Yesterday was just that … Continue reading A Little Can Mean a Lot
Heavy and Light
Wil loves riding his recumbent bike around our property. The challenge is I can’t fully trust he won’t go out to the road. And it’s a busy road. I was talking to fellow mother yesterday. Her 16-year-old son, who also has Ds, is in summer speech and occupational therapy with Wil. As much as her … Continue reading Heavy and Light
You Go Girl!
At the airport yesterday, Wil was struggling a bit with some young children crying. As a Starbucks was nearby, I asked Elizabeth to walk him over there while I stayed with our carry-on luggage (as Katherine was in another shop). Wil was reluctant at Starbucks too, so Elizabeth walked him back to sit with me. … Continue reading You Go Girl!
Sunday Live-Stream
I don’t listen to special needs podcasts. It’s not that I don’t enjoy them, or learn from them, or feel a connection with them. I do. I have a few of my favorites saved in my library for quick access when I need extra help. But mostly, I enjoy the running podcast of my own … Continue reading Sunday Live-Stream
CREATING SPACE
“Mom, I saw Ashley in gym today!” Wil did not share this fact after school. Nor at the dinner table. Wil was lying on the couch, shortly before bedtime, watching a Netflix show with Elizabeth and me. He popped up in the middle of a scene— that had nothing to do with gym class, or … Continue reading CREATING SPACE
Just Jammin’
Jamming to the “other” Luke on his passenger ride home on this gorgeous Sunday 🌻 This guy knows how to live out loud, even if he doesn’t know all the lyrics. 🤩
A Moment in Time: Surprise gifts
Wil and I went to pick up pizza in town. As we exited the pizzeria, we saw Will D., Wil’s friend from school. We enjoyed a quick chat, then as Wil and I headed back to our car, Wil turned around and called out to Will D., “See you tomorrow!” I’ve never heard my Wil … Continue reading A Moment in Time: Surprise gifts
Showing Up
Friday morning Wil refused to go to school. Elizabeth called me at work to let me know what was happening. Wil had ridden his bike down the driveway and wouldn’t budge. Elizabeth put me on speaker on her phone so I could talk to Wil. Wil threw her phone in the snow. I called the … Continue reading Showing Up
Extra, extra!
Elizabeth’s basketball games are loud and overwhelming to Wil, so sometimes I get a babysitter for him, and sometimes I bring him to support his sister and for the exposure. He never forgets to bring his ear protectors. Wil handles the games well; he gets a hot dog and pop out of the deal and … Continue reading Extra, extra!