The past fall, I struggled with the thought of never truly being an empty nester. My thoughts were a twisted, tangled jumble of yarn – strands of prickly burlap wound tight around strands of brilliant, transparent glitter. The brilliant strands of glitter represent Wil’s near constant song. Nearly every event calls for a song -- … Continue reading Tree Wil and Glitter Christie
Take Another Think
We may believe our thinking is correct; or it is good—that we are good people. Even those of us that call ourselves open-minded may find we have unwittingly closed off our minds when spending time with individuals with disabilities. Why is this? Because we have to see it their way first to understand. And many … Continue reading Take Another Think
A Right Turn
47 chromosomes…did something go wrong, or did something go right? There are still tire marks on the ground when I changed direction of thought and peeled off toward something going right. We are now so deep into this right-pathed scenic route that I wonder at how the question is even asked at all.
Special Needs Siblings
These two young women have stepped up to the plate more than most realize; and they do it with love and grace. That said, Katherine and Elizabeth treat Wil like any little brother — loving him, being annoyed with him, and standing up for him. Their life requires an extra level that is not easy … Continue reading Special Needs Siblings
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
Welcome
At a social function a man said to me that he felt sorry for people who had children with Down syndrome. How hard it must be. Then he met a woman he love’s daughter, who has Down syndrome. Now he can’t imagine life without knowing her daughter. He shared how much bigger and brighter life … Continue reading Welcome
Unsuspected Connections
Yesterday, checking out at the grocery store, the grocery clerk commented on the cupcakes I bought. I said the cupcakes were for my son’s classroom for his birthday. The grocery clerk asked how old my son was. I replied that he was my baby, and it was hard to believe he was already 16 years … Continue reading Unsuspected Connections
Under-where?
I made Wil’s breakfast and busied myself in the kitchen awaiting Wil’s typical wide-armed entry into the living room with a hearty, “Look at me, Mom!” (He takes great pride in his clothing selection each day.) “Oooo, fancy!” I’ll reply. This morning, however, just enough time had passed to suspect something was wrong. “Do you … Continue reading Under-where?
Interrupted Giggle
Last night I gave Wil a hug before bed and as a joke he blew on my cheek. I started laughing, and he started laughing. He kept trying to blow on my cheek again and again but each blow was interrupted by his uncontrollable giggles. This is the magic that you don’t know; that you … Continue reading Interrupted Giggle
House of Cards
Most of us don’t choose to be caregivers. Then next thing you know, you find yourself standing on a house of cards. Last night a friend was at a neighboring table for dinner with her husband and another couple. After they had eaten dinner, the other couple left. As our friend tried to leave, her … Continue reading House of Cards