Elizabeth sent me this picture of her and her sorority sister, Isabelle. They were visiting a cider mill and enjoying the day with their sisters. I love to see her big heart and smile, and loving life on her own. She has more than earned this time. She and her twin sister, Katherine, are great … Continue reading The Bright Side
Lift in Learning
Wil jumps on the trampoline. Free. Fun. Full of joy. His play is not forced; nor is it self-conscious. He hoots, he hollers. He’s in the moment. When tiredness sets in he rests. He sits on the black circular mat, looks around, and soaks in the feeling of his heart relaxing. This is not a … Continue reading Lift in Learning
Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
A sticky, filmy, wiggly smudge snaked across my computer screen. I’m not a fan of snakes, but I looked at this one endearingly. Just a few days ago Wil was flipping through photos on my computer. They were photos of experiences at Camp Sunshine; the camp he’d be going to this very weekend. He smiled … Continue reading Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
HOW WE BEND
Today Wil and Manny went bowling. Both are teens with Down syndrome. Manny’s mom, Laura, and I share frequently about our plans, thoughts and concerns for the future. Thoughts about our boys as they age out of the school system; after friends have moved on to college, to jobs, to get married. How will our … Continue reading HOW WE BEND
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
Down Syndrome Awareness Month – Day 3
You will meet educators that care so big, their heart is visible from the inside out. ~Down Syndrome Awareness Month Day 3
The Same, but a Little Brighter
You know that “brillance” enhancement on your iPhone photos? How your picture is the same, but a little brighter? That’s how it is raising a child with Ds. There is a lot that is the same. So much that is the same. Then there are the experiences that take longer to emerge; I like to … Continue reading The Same, but a Little Brighter
In Sync
As Wil has gotten older, it’s clear he needs closer friends with Down syndrome. He has wonderful friends at school that love and support him fully. As the gap in abilities with his typical peers grows and social lives expand, Wil also needs to cultivate friendships with those whose abilities match his. Manny’s family lives … Continue reading In Sync
No Words to Describe the Words that Do
Wil was busy packing his backpack. Then he walked up to me and told me what he was doing and walked out the door. I didn’t understand fully what he said. So I watched him walk down the lane of our back field. If he turns right, that means he’s going to the river. If … Continue reading No Words to Describe the Words that Do
Timberlake vs. Timbuktu
Wil had a quiz to study for last night. We decided together that he would study while Katherine was at CrossFit. If Wil comes along to CrossFit for a task such as studying, we typically go to Bigby Coffee and he gets a hot chocolate with sprinkles. After a few sips, some silliness and conversation, … Continue reading Timberlake vs. Timbuktu