A singular new word Wil calmly adds to his vocabulary, in a such a way that only I — or his closest educators — would hear stands out like a stacatto flashing me back in time to a movie reel loop when he was 5 or 7 or 10, working a skill on a repeat … Continue reading Paradoxical Path
A Sucker for You
Communicating with Wil is an incredible experience. Though he has been in speech therapy since he was months old, he has always been one savvy communicator. A tilt of his head and a smile melts you into a puddle of mush on the spot. When music takes him over, his good vibes serendipitously course through … Continue reading A Sucker for You
Of Mice and Squirrels – Defying Categories
“Look at me, Mom.” Wil held a sandwich close to his mouth and nibbled bit-by-bit. “Look at you. Such a cute, little mouse.” “Ugh, Mom, no. I’m a cute, little squirrel,” he said emphatically, then rolled his eyes upward. Wil is an expert at merging the aspects of childhood with the antics of teenage-hood. Wil’s … Continue reading Of Mice and Squirrels – Defying Categories
What They Can’t Tell You
Wil ran up to me, then reached into his pajama pants pocket. He pulled out an adhesive mustache and stuck it under his nose. “Look at me, Mom!” He leaned his face so close to mine that I saw double. “You are so close I can’t see you!” He stepped back, his mustache upside-down, the … Continue reading What They Can’t Tell You
An Evil Queen’s Observation on Acceptance
I am often placed in the position of being teacher. Not by trade. Not by degree. But by raising a child with special needs. My favorite way of learning is through storytelling. Allow me to introduce you to the cast: Grumpy: Lila Happy: Ashley Sneezy: Seeger Sleepy: Sarah Doc: Olivia Dopey: Lillian Bashful: Rebecca The … Continue reading An Evil Queen’s Observation on Acceptance
Greater Than
“I made my call. I did my charity service for the day.” Charity, in its truest form, is an act of unselfish love toward another that is less fortunate. In the quote above, however, the act of charity is about the doer rather than the receiver; time out of our day to do “good” for … Continue reading Greater Than
A New Flight Path
On the day of Wil’s birth, the nurse said he was “floppy” which is a soft marker for Down syndrome. He melted into my chest. The soft, defined curve of his eyes warmed my heart like I’d known this love forever. At the same time, the shape of his eyes sent a hard marker of … Continue reading A New Flight Path
Just Friends Being Friends
“I was just wondering if Wil wanted to be part of the 7 dwarfs. We were thinking he could be Snuggly, Giggly, Silly, or Smiley! Considering Wil has all those traits!” I received this text from Ashley about Halloween costumes. Ashley and Wil, now in 8th grade, have gone to school together and been friends … Continue reading Just Friends Being Friends
Down Syndrome Awareness Month – Day 4
When you take nothing for granted, every day brings a mini-celebration found in a new word, a new observation, a new forward step that has been patiently waited for and worked on. ~Down Syndrome Awareness Month - Day 4
In Wil’s Words
Wil and I laid on our sectional couch just before bedtime. Our heads together, we made a right angle given that we are almost the same height from top to bottom. My boy is growing up. “Mom, we read ‘The Shoemaker.’” I smiled. It takes quiet moments like these for Wil to initiate a conversation. … Continue reading In Wil’s Words