At 53 years old I am a student. At 89 years old I will be a student. When I say goodbye to this world, I will be a student. Yesterday, I was trying to help a student who has autism. I was kind. I gave this student squeezes, I spoke calmly; soothingly. This student’s aggravationContinue reading “To “Be” or not to “Be””
Tag Archives: disability
The Perspective of Time
Wil has grown so much in his 10th grade year, and I can’t thank Kristi Campbell, Hope Schook and Heidi Drake enough for that! For this fact, it gives me space to snicker when I read about a day like this: 10:05 Refused to work10:08 Turned it around10:25 Refused to work10:30 Turned it around1:50 RefusedContinue reading “The Perspective of Time”
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, IContinue reading “Something New”
Inclusion Slam Dunk!
Wil’s paraprofessional, Kristi, told me how Wil — of his own will — went to the closet in gym class, pulled out two baskets and two balls. He proceeded to toss the balls in the baskets. His peers joined in his created game by cheering him on. Today I picked up Elizabeth, Wil and theirContinue reading “Inclusion Slam Dunk!”
Let Us Embrace Our Vulnerable Population
In embracing our vulnerable population we embrace our own vulnerabilities. We crave Love. Love is the base of all things. Love is survival. We crave, live and breathe for Love. In embracing individuals that we previously misconceived as having lesser value, we find in fact their value is greater than ours as theirs is theContinue reading “Let Us Embrace Our Vulnerable Population”
HOW WE BEND
Today Wil and Manny went bowling. Both are teens with Down syndrome. Manny’s mom, Laura, and I share frequently about our plans, thoughts and concerns for the future. Thoughts about our boys as they age out of the school system; after friends have moved on to college, to jobs, to get married. How will ourContinue reading “HOW WE BEND”
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, herContinue reading “House of Cards”
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 wasContinue 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 MomContinue reading “Mixed Medley”
WILingness 