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
Time to Share the Mic: Authenticating the Voice of Disability in Film
Should people without disabilties play parts in film of people with disabilties? There have been some impressive performances of such cases. But then I thought, if Wil were an actor, would he be hired to play any part but of the person with Down syndrome? That would be summed up in two letters: NO. And … Continue reading Time to Share the Mic: Authenticating the Voice of Disability in Film
Pinnacles
This blog isn’t about Wil, it’s about me in relation to Wil. And I guess all my blogs are really about that. Because I had no clue how to raise a child with Down syndrome. And I don’t think many of us do. There are parenting books, but how many of your typically-developing kids fit … Continue reading Pinnacles
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
High Rider
I walked into the parking lot area where Wil was to take his PEAC bike camp. I was overcome with a positive, uplifting feeling — thankfully this type of feeling is not unfamiliar. I’ve grown accustomed to this shift from breathing dense air into a higher atmosphere in only one step. This atmosphere is one … Continue reading High Rider
Discarding “Popular” Wisdom
"The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn. We are filled with popular wisdom of several centuries just past, and we are terrified to give it up." Gloria Steinem may have had women’s rights on her mind with this quote, but it rings very true for … Continue reading Discarding “Popular” Wisdom
He’s the Whole Package
Down syndrome is not all of him — it is a very real part of him to not only be accepted, but also embraced to embrace the whole of him. 💙
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
Centurion, Collaboration & Education
"I don't want to live until I'm 100." One said. "Oh, me either." Replied another. Both shared their own beliefs for saying so. I found myself bristling. Actually jealous. And how silly of me. Who gets to choose how long they live? But what I found myself upset about was how they could take this … Continue reading Centurion, Collaboration & Education
Submerged to Surfaced
Wil totally worked the system last night… Over the summer, Wil greatly anticipated celebrating at his Connect friends’ senior grad parties. However, once at the event, he’d soon become overwhelmed with the activity and number of people and flee. As many of the grads live in the country, I’d turn my back in conversation, only … Continue reading Submerged to Surfaced