Wil (in backwards cap) & friends To see our teenagers sit together comfortably, easily, familiarly — that was the goal many years ago when we parents joined Down Syndrome Support Team. We parents were just trying to figure out what the heck this life with an extra chromosome meant. We laughed, we cried, and we … Continue reading Creating Companions
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
With a little help from my friends
Wil had a very hard morning. He would not get out of bed. Would not budge. Usually I tickle his feet. He laughs, sits up and says, “Hug Mom!” He loves high school so even if he’s tired he is typically happy to get up and go. This morning was a throw back from the … Continue reading With a little help from my friends
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
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
You Go Girl!
At the airport yesterday, Wil was struggling a bit with some young children crying. As a Starbucks was nearby, I asked Elizabeth to walk him over there while I stayed with our carry-on luggage (as Katherine was in another shop). Wil was reluctant at Starbucks too, so Elizabeth walked him back to sit with me. … Continue reading You Go Girl!
Growth Rings
Last week, after swimming at the Saline Rec Center, I gave Wil a dollar bill and 2 quarters to buy a Gatorade in the vending machine. He held the dollar bill in a pincher grasp (between his forefinger and thumb). It took him a moment to steady the dollar bill so it would fit through … Continue reading Growth Rings
Our Own Little Buddy Walk
The DSST Buddy Walk was virtual this year, but thanks to Wil’s amazing friends and this caring community, we had our own fun walk of about 30 people (and dogs!) in Manchester. Our local Steelegrafix LLC made our shirts this year and not only donated a portion of the proceeds to DSST, but also matched … Continue reading Our Own Little Buddy Walk