Do you want me to tell you it’s all sunshine and rainbows? It’s not—but there is a lot of that. I really don’t think you can enjoy the full extent of the sunshine without the rain, though. And can you really see all the colors of the rainbow without a cloudy backdrop? I’m writing this, … Continue reading Love the not-so-normal norm
Light 💡 Ranch
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 💡 Ranch
Wil rode is bike to school!
https://videopress.com/v/hezs5Vyj?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Wil wanted to ride his bike to school. We live on a busy road so we agreed on him riding from a park about a mile away. He’s 17 years old so of course did NOT want me with him. We agreed I’d meet him where the sidewalk curves to the high school. It’s … Continue reading Wil rode is bike to school!
Age is Just All Numbers
Wil and I decorated the Christmas tree. It’s the first time we’ve done it just the two of us. Usually the twins are here so he’ll hang a few ornaments, but then move on to singing or other activities around us. As Wil was home sick, and we needed low-key activities to stave off boredom, … Continue reading Age is Just All Numbers
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
It’s the Chocolate Chips in Life
“It has chocolate chips in it, Mom.” It’s those details that you never miss. The telling me about something, when at one time he couldn’t. I used to ask questions I knew he could answer. Because if he didn’t think he could, he’d shut down and I’d get nothing. When Wil used to eat a … Continue reading It’s the Chocolate Chips in Life
Inclusion: Reason to Care
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
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
Car games
Last night driving Wil home from the first Special Olympics golf of the season (he was in a high mood as he loves SOMI golf and was counting the days until it started again) he started calling me by my full name of Christie Leigh Taylor and cracking himself up. “That’s Mom to you sir!” … Continue reading Car games
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