This morning I lifted arms, and was in between weight choices — one was a little too heavy and one a little too light. I chose the lighter weight today. I really focused on contracting my muscle and slowing down. Veins and muscles popped with the lighter weight as I was super focused on form. … Continue reading Lightweight Powerhouse
Light 💡 Ranch
Not so long ago, if anyone gave Wil choices he’d pick the last choice offered. This morning I asked him, “What dipping sauce do you want? Ranch, mustard, ketchup or honey mustard?” “H — Ranch.” Wil corrected his auto-response for what he wanted. Life is full of tiny miracles embedded within everyday occurrences. Our kids … Continue reading Light 💡 Ranch
Random Moments
https://videopress.com/v/nPdv2ipU?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true When Wil was diagnosed with Down syndrome, the nurse could have not explained through my tears, “Your norm will be a compilation of random events like your son interrupting you doing homework saying, “Mom look at this!” About some Blues Clues song he randomly discovered and got super excited about. Just as how I, … Continue reading Random Moments
Wil rode is bike to school!
https://videopress.com/v/hezs5Vyj?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Wil wanted to ride his bike to school. We live on a busy road so we agreed on him riding from a park about a mile away. He’s 17 years old so of course did NOT want me with him. We agreed I’d meet him where the sidewalk curves to the high school. It’s … Continue reading Wil rode is bike to school!
Age is Just All Numbers
Wil and I decorated the Christmas tree. It’s the first time we’ve done it just the two of us. Usually the twins are here so he’ll hang a few ornaments, but then move on to singing or other activities around us. As Wil was home sick, and we needed low-key activities to stave off boredom, … Continue reading Age is Just All Numbers
Staying Open
It happened after an event in the high school gymnasium. I don’t remember the event, but the after-scene is a moving photograph vivid in my mind. Wil approached a group of male high school peers on the gymnasium floor. At his approach, the circle broke with fist bumps, hellos, and high-fives with Wil. Two boys … Continue reading Staying Open
Lift in Learning
Wil jumps on the trampoline. Free. Fun. Full of joy. His play is not forced; nor is it self-conscious. He hoots, he hollers. He’s in the moment. When tiredness sets in he rests. He sits on the black circular mat, looks around, and soaks in the feeling of his heart relaxing. This is not a … Continue reading Lift in Learning
It’s the Chocolate Chips in Life
“It has chocolate chips in it, Mom.” It’s those details that you never miss. The telling me about something, when at one time he couldn’t. I used to ask questions I knew he could answer. Because if he didn’t think he could, he’d shut down and I’d get nothing. When Wil used to eat a … Continue reading It’s the Chocolate Chips in Life
Life Beyond Definitions
He has delayed speech but he’s not delayed speech. Some of our traits carry deep meaning, and others just are what they are – we give them little thought. Or maybe they are fun to play with, like changing our hair color. It is our choice in what meaning we give to our various traits. … Continue reading Life Beyond Definitions
Steps in Time
Just 2 years ago during graduation party time I needed an eagle eye on Wil. At one party he fled the party and would not leave the front porch. At another he ran to a side street and sat in the middle of it. Yesterday, at each grad party he hung with his buddies. And … Continue reading Steps in Time