“Mom, I worked hard today!” Wil shouted as he threw the car door open and took a seat right behind me. The school day had just ended. Elizabeth slid into the passenger seat and Katherine jumped in next to Wil. “No way, Wil, not three days in a row.” I said. “Yes!” “Nope, not possible.” … Continue reading A Darn Straight Day
Blame Overboard!
I was once asked if I felt to blame for Wil having Down syndrome. Rude, yes. But when something happens unexpectedly, we all look for reasons. This person just happened to ask their reason out loud. Asking why something happened is survival. However, our asking usually points to something outside of ourselves. We can dust … Continue reading Blame Overboard!
We’ve Got Ourselves A Runner!
I intentionally started running in 2013, but when I think back, it really started around late 2009 or 2010. When Wil learned to dash. The kids and I were part of an amazing parent-based learning program called First Steps (for babies up until your child went to kindergarten). The program was held in a school, … Continue reading We’ve Got Ourselves A Runner!
Turn it Up, Down
Wil and I left the store and walked through the parking lot to our car. Wil stopped just short of our car, and kicked his legs out in front of him in quick succession. He began humming a tune, then planted his legs and wiggled his hips. His hum broke way to song and he … Continue reading Turn it Up, Down
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
Typical Truths
“He will always be happy.” “God only gives special children to special people.” “Kids with Down syndrome are angels on earth.” Or the dreaded, "I'm sorry." Words meant to heal. Words meant to help. Words meant to fill the gap of not knowing what else to say.I have experienced, however, these words don’t fit the … Continue reading Typical Truths
Stepping Into the Real Story
There is a book called "Count Us In" that is written by two young men with Down syndrome (and as the book's description adds: with some word processing help from their mothers). This book was a symbolic "coming of age" for me.I started out reading beautiful books such as "Gifts 1: Mothers Reflect on How … Continue reading Stepping Into the Real Story
Playing Catch-Up
Wil is an expert at the game of catch-up. It’s a game he plays every day. Wil has low muscle tone, which adds to the game. In fact, I’ve been told having low muscle tone feels like wearing a backpack all day long. It’s no surprise, then, that Wil’s favorite place to play is in … Continue reading Playing Catch-Up