I’m no born-natural. I’m not made to raise a child with Down syndrome. But here I am. And working as a paraprofessional, no less. I have a lot to offer, we all do. But I have a lot to learn; that’s exactly why am I where I am. Not because I was born with a … Continue reading Inclusion: Reason to Care
Got Curiosity?
My Grandma used to wrap presents in newspaper. In the opening, my fingers would be covered in smeary black smudge, but as a kid who cared? My Grandma didn’t much care either, which is why she didn’t spend time buying pretty wrapping. What was important to her was the giving. Now I look back and … Continue reading Got Curiosity?
I Wonder, Wonder, Wonder
Wil talks all the time. He talks to me, he talks to friends, he talks to himself. I wonder at the time, listening to him today, how one hesitant word was cause to drop everything and celebrate. His verbalization today was once a distant, fuzzy dream. Like reaching for a cloud that my hands couldn't … Continue reading I Wonder, Wonder, Wonder
Rise & Shine
Last night Wil’s music therapist recapped his session with me. She said, “I know how hard positioning his fingers and his wrist is for him . I can see his restraint from giving up. He has a lot of focus to keep going. That shows me he has been well supported.” That last sentence 😭 … Continue reading Rise & Shine
Disability Invisibility Goggles
We historically do not like people who think differently than we do. We want things to work out the way we want them to and we surround ourselves the best way we can so things work out the way we want them to. When things don’t work out the way we want them to we … Continue reading Disability Invisibility Goggles
Extra Chromosome = Extra Life
Yesterday Wil and I were driving to get his hair cut. Wil always takes my phone, searches what he wants to play on Amazon music. If he diverges from Luke Bryan he’ll say to himself, “how to spell Dierks Bentley” and type it out using phonics. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it leads to frustration … Continue reading Extra Chromosome = Extra Life
An Ornamental Moment
Wil loves putting ornaments on the Christmas tree. Using his fine motor skills has always been a challenge for him; especially pinching. As you can imagine, placing ornaments with loops on top gets tiresome quickly for Wil — but Wil always finds a way. When his pinching fingers are worn out, he puts the ornament … Continue reading An Ornamental Moment
Beyond Our Own Bubble
Nothing about disability should make one uncomfortable. The discomfort within is simply a block in the desire to understand. A desire to understand is hard work. It requires a shift in perspective. A vulnerable openness. But even when a small fissure in that block opens within us, the sliver of light is absolute glory. I … Continue reading Beyond Our Own Bubble
With a little help from my friends
Wil had a very hard morning. He would not get out of bed. Would not budge. Usually I tickle his feet. He laughs, sits up and says, “Hug Mom!” He loves high school so even if he’s tired he is typically happy to get up and go. This morning was a throw back from the … Continue reading With a little help from my friends
Inclusion
I am enmeshed in the world of people helping people; of making inclusion work. Personally and professionally. I am on a high learning curve, always, with both Wil and the children I work with. Down syndrome looks much different than other disabilities, and of course, no matter the disability, each individual is their very own … Continue reading Inclusion