“The Buddy Walk is only one mile walk. I think you can handle it,” I joked. “And really, with so many people with Down syndrome, we don’t move fast!” When The Peanut Butter Falcon was available for streaming, I didn’t want to watch it on my own. The viewing experience would be fuller with friends … Continue reading Blending Scenes
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
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!
Mixed Medley
I dropped Wil off on the second morning of his first all-day camp. He talked about camp for weeks; water balloon tosses, scavenger hunts, a trip to the beach – and parent-free. There were no tears at drop-off; Wil and I were both ready for this leap in independence. This summer has been the Mom … Continue reading Mixed Medley
It’s in the Experience
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
Just Make Him Do It
One of the most common things I hear (and what many of my friends who have children w disabilities hear) is, “well, just make him do it.” I literally feel a huge distance grow between us with this seeming logic. And yet, it’s a very difficult distance to close as there is no logical explanation. … Continue reading Just Make Him Do It
Just Friends Being Friends
“I was just wondering if Wil wanted to be part of the 7 dwarfs. We were thinking he could be Snuggly, Giggly, Silly, or Smiley! Considering Wil has all those traits!” I received this text from Ashley about Halloween costumes. Ashley and Wil, now in 8th grade, have gone to school together and been friends … Continue reading Just Friends Being Friends
We All Have Hard Stuff
Yesterday, I just didn’t have it in me. Yesterday, I did not have the patience that on somedays I find miles of. Some days I wish Wil would just get up and get in the car when I ask him to. Some days I wish I could say, “We are leaving in 20 minutes,” and … Continue reading We All Have Hard Stuff