Christie Taylor Stories of Wil

Independence Takes a Village with Dependent Children

I have recently gotten back in the pool (after a year 😅) thanks to our friend, Dawn, taking great care of Wil after school and honing in on his life skills learning. While I swam Monday, Dawn’s husband came over to have a guitar jam session with Wil 🎸 When you have a dependent child, … Continue reading Independence Takes a Village with Dependent Children

Christie Taylor Communication, Patience, School Life, Stories of Wil, What People Don't See

Wil is graduating; this is a hard one. Raising Wil I’ve gone through what I think of as “3 acceptances” so far: Acceptance of Ds Acceptance of new behaviors of puberty. (That was a tough one!! That truly took a village!) Acceptance of transitioning out of high school. Wil is ready to graduate, though; he’s … Continue reading

Christie Taylor Communication, Patience

The Amazing is in The Choice

There is no magic formula to acceptance of our friends with disabilities. Acceptance, in its essence, is very simple. You don’t need to be a special person. You don’t need to be born kind or compassionate or patient.You don’t need to be energetic or inspirational. You don’t need to be anything other than willing to … Continue reading The Amazing is in The Choice

Christie Taylor Stories of Wil

Something New

Wil and I were at the orthodontist’s office. He has a top set of braces; this appointment was about a bottom set to correct his underbite. “As many kids with Down syndrome have a smaller upper jaw, the underbite is common,” the orthodontist said. The commonality of an underbite in people with Down syndrome, I … Continue reading Something New

Christie Taylor School Life, Stories of Wil

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

Christie Taylor Patience, Stories of Wil

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

Christie Taylor More Stories of Wil

Its Not Real…Until It Is

I would say this situation is hardest on Wil. He doesn’t understand as much as I’ve explained it. I’ve heard the response, “I don’t understand, either,” which I respect and appreciate. But Wil doesn’t understand what a virus is. We do know what a virus is, even not knowing all the details of this particular … Continue reading Its Not Real…Until It Is