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 đź’ˇ Ranch
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 around … Continue reading Filling In The Moment
Altitudes
Is skydiving hard? Is raising a child with Down syndrome hard? Though the questions remain static; our answers come from different places. **** Last night Wil and I drove to Elizabeth’s basketball game in Bedford (just north Toledo). A dark sky, flat un-scenic roads — minus the occasional Christmas lit homes — and nearly a … Continue reading Altitudes
Blending Scenes
“The Buddy Walk is only one mile walk. I think you can handle it,” I joked. “And really, with so many people with Down syndrome, we don’t move fast!” When The Peanut Butter Falcon was available for streaming, I didn’t want to watch it on my own. The viewing experience would be fuller with friends … Continue reading Blending Scenes
Heavy and Light
Wil loves riding his recumbent bike around our property. The challenge is I can’t fully trust he won’t go out to the road. And it’s a busy road. I was talking to fellow mother yesterday. Her 16-year-old son, who also has Ds, is in summer speech and occupational therapy with Wil. As much as her … Continue reading Heavy and Light
A Moment in Time: Surprise gifts
Wil and I went to pick up pizza in town. As we exited the pizzeria, we saw Will D., Wil’s friend from school. We enjoyed a quick chat, then as Wil and I headed back to our car, Wil turned around and called out to Will D., “See you tomorrow!” I’ve never heard my Wil … Continue reading A Moment in Time: Surprise gifts
From Monday to Friday in 60 Minutes
This week's story is an excerpt from "Stories of Wil: Puberty Part 1" (publ. July 2020)... When I woke Wil up, he was very sluggish. “Hey, buddy, time to wake up,” I said. I sat on the edge of his bed and tickled him lightly under his chin. “Hmmph!” Wil turned his face into his … Continue reading From Monday to Friday in 60 Minutes
With Chocolate chips on top
“Well, you have enough challenges raising Wil.” I write about the challenges raising Wil, so it’s expected to frequently hear that, and I’m thankful. I used to hear, “well, he’ll always be happy.” To wrap Wil into one emotion both undermines who he is as a person, and the value of what it means to … Continue reading With Chocolate chips on top
Beyond Words
“Give me a hug.” Those were Laura’s first words when she came over for a visit. A slanderous word had been directed at Wil that he thankfully didn’t hear (when I learned about it, this careless use of a word hurt me more than him). Even as Wil grows in maturity and in self-advocacy, he … Continue reading Beyond Words
It’s What Friends Do
Wil’s closest friends are five girls from school; all typically-developing. In our tight-knit community, I hear over and again how special Wil’s friends are. And it’s true. They are. My gratitude is high because I know in another tight-knit community – the community of parents who have children with Down syndrome -- Wil’s friendship circle … Continue reading It’s What Friends Do