I'm embarrassed of things I said before Wil was born. I was ignorant. I just didn't know. Now, when I hear or read certain words, I cringe immediately. My kids cringe immediately. We know better, thank God. When words hurt, our primitive drive is to react with a fight. Eliminate that word! It is evil. … Continue reading Opening the View
The Same, but a Little Brighter
You know that “brillance” enhancement on your iPhone photos? How your picture is the same, but a little brighter? That’s how it is raising a child with Ds. There is a lot that is the same. So much that is the same. Then there are the experiences that take longer to emerge; I like to … Continue reading The Same, but a Little Brighter
In Sync
As Wil has gotten older, it’s clear he needs closer friends with Down syndrome. He has wonderful friends at school that love and support him fully. As the gap in abilities with his typical peers grows and social lives expand, Wil also needs to cultivate friendships with those whose abilities match his. Manny’s family lives … Continue reading In Sync
Navigating Methods of Plane Sailing
“The gate is closing in four minutes, ma’am.” An airline representative said to me as I sat on the floor with Wil. “Yes, thank you. I just can’t get him up. I’m trying.” Katherine was standing by our bags and Elizabeth and I tried to lift Wil up into a wheelchair to roll him onto … Continue reading Navigating Methods of Plane Sailing
What’d You Say?
“Oxonya,” Wil whispered in my ear. “Oxonya? Is that someone in a movie?” “Ugh, no!” Wil said. He leaned again to whisper in my ear, “Oloxonya.” “Alanya?” “Moooooom!” “Sorry, Wil. Can you say it out loud instead of whispering it?” He leaned in to whisper again, “Olllazanya.” “Oh, lasagna!” “Yes, Mom, geez.” “Wil, say l-l-l-l … Continue reading What’d You Say?
No Words to Describe the Words that Do
Wil was busy packing his backpack. Then he walked up to me and told me what he was doing and walked out the door. I didn’t understand fully what he said. So I watched him walk down the lane of our back field. If he turns right, that means he’s going to the river. If … Continue reading No Words to Describe the Words that Do
Upgrading the Lens
I wonder sometimes, do we view individuals with special needs as angelic, more so than our typical selves, because we do not apply the same societal pressures to individuals with special needs as we do to ourselves? We see individuals with special needs for who they are. For the love that they share. For the … Continue reading Upgrading the Lens
The Morale of the Story
Down Syndrome Awareness = Hello, meet my child. Once you get to know him, you won't be so scared of him anymore. Books upon books. Blogs upon blogs. Stories upon stories. As varied as they are, the message is, Hello meet my child. Know my child. Do not fear my child. But fear is a … Continue reading The Morale of the Story
Timberlake vs. Timbuktu
Wil had a quiz to study for last night. We decided together that he would study while Katherine was at CrossFit. If Wil comes along to CrossFit for a task such as studying, we typically go to Bigby Coffee and he gets a hot chocolate with sprinkles. After a few sips, some silliness and conversation, … Continue reading Timberlake vs. Timbuktu
Twist, turn, kick. Sputter. Smile.
His swim instructor was showing him how to roll over from his stomach to his back in the water. He’d start, face down, floating, then twist himself around. As he made the twist, he’d flail slightly, body twisting hard, with a little kicking to get himself all the way around. He’d pop his head to … Continue reading Twist, turn, kick. Sputter. Smile.