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
Wil Rode the School Bus Today!
Wil rode the school bus today. In this house we take no such statements for granted. In middle school, Wil riding the bus proved unsuccessful. He was already having a hard time transitioning to a new school with new educators and hormones were in full effect. The middle school years are challenging; then add in … Continue reading Wil Rode the School Bus Today!
Blooming Naturally
Opening minds to acceptance need not be negative. My journey with Wil’s diagnosis is likened to a flower blossoming through a crack in the concrete, unfolding, stretching, growing, reaching, and opening fully to the sun. At first unbelievable, then freeing, and now a natural part of life. Disability is a natural part of the human … Continue reading Blooming Naturally
Time to Share the Mic: Authenticating the Voice of Disability in Film
Should people without disabilties play parts in film of people with disabilties? There have been some impressive performances of such cases. But then I thought, if Wil were an actor, would he be hired to play any part but of the person with Down syndrome? That would be summed up in two letters: NO. And … Continue reading Time to Share the Mic: Authenticating the Voice of Disability in Film
Appreciation of the Destination
Matt and I went out on the paddle boards and took Wil in the kayak. Wil was very proficient at paddling backwards, but didn’t quite catch on to paddling forward. Wil found himself deep in the lily pads— he got frustrated, so Matt went back to get a bungee out of the truck, and bungeed … Continue reading Appreciation of the Destination
To Be or Not To Be
Individuals with disabilities are not more or less special — they are not put on this planet to teach us. All of us are born of the same place; all of us are born of our own ways. All of us are here just as we all are—meant to live and breathe and express our … Continue reading To Be or Not To Be
The Flip-Side
“It’s hard raising a child with disabilities.” If I had a quarter for every time I heard or read that statement. Bear with me while I flip the coin for a moment. No story is ever one-sided. When I watched Wil walk off to his cabin for his first overnight camp, without even a glance … Continue reading The Flip-Side
An Ode to Laughter
To the moms who supported me in those early years and beyond… Instead of sighing, we laughed.Instead of crying, we laughed.Instead of our differences, we laughed.Laughter did not make light of.Laughter did not negate the challenge of.Instead, laughter is depth of connection.Instead, laughter is inner understanding.Instead, laughter is unity.Instead, laughter is fortitude to navigate the … Continue reading An Ode to Laughter