Filling In The Moment

I shared with Wil’s friend, that during the snow days off school, “Wil and I played with these big blow-up things that you put over your hands and then punch each other with.” Wil interrupted me with a flat-toned, “They are called Socker Boppers, Mom.” Wil is at a stage where he reads everything aroundContinue reading “Filling In The Moment”

I Feel Good!

I remember, when Wil was a brand new baby, I walked into my first Down Syndrome Support Team (DSST) meeting. Young kids with Down syndrome were running around playing like young kids do. Everything was so normal, and yet it wasn’t to me, because all these kids had Down syndrome. I went home, though veryContinue reading “I Feel Good!”

Under-where?

I made Wil’s breakfast and busied myself in the kitchen awaiting Wil’s typical wide-armed entry into the living room with a hearty, “Look at me, Mom!” (He takes great pride in his clothing selection each day.) “Oooo, fancy!” I’ll reply. This morning, however, just enough time had passed to suspect something was wrong. “Do youContinue reading “Under-where?”

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”

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 thisContinue reading “Centurion, Collaboration & Education”

Processing Time

Wil attended his first taekwondo tournament last Saturday. The environment had the potential of causing sensory distress within Wil. I had been to many taekwondo tournaments in the past with Katherine, as she worked her way up to a blackbelt. There would be many people moving around on the gym floor, and spontaneous announcements overContinue reading “Processing Time”

Another Gear

I pulled up in the driveway at 7:45AM after coaching. Just as I was about to exit my car to go inside our home and check on Wil’s readiness for school, he ran outside and into the car! He was fully dressed, complete with his hoodie, backpack and even socks (which sometimes prove challenging forContinue reading “Another Gear”

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, onlyContinue reading “Submerged to Surfaced”

A Good Morning!

Wil set the alarm on his iPad last night for school (I showed him how after asking the twins if they had an old alarm clock Wil could use. Elizabeth said, “Mom, just use his iPad” 🙄). On mornings I work, Katherine or Elizabeth typically wake Wil. He is very independent now, and it’s gettingContinue reading “A Good Morning!”

I Believe Most People Are Good (Luke Bryan song)

I saw it in his eyes. He wanted to bolt. If he found a crack in the crowd, he’d force his way through like a flower through a concrete slab. At 5’5” and 155 pounds, clad with big blue noise-cancelling headphones, people would step back startled and stare, walk around and give him space, ratherContinue reading “I Believe Most People Are Good (Luke Bryan song)”