I was listening to a podcast and the host said that when he started speaking publicly, he was terrified of the size of the stage. There was too much room, too much space. So he started awkwardly, standing in his spot. He looked awkward, sounded awkward, moved awkwardly. When he started to view the stage … Continue reading The Stage is his Playground
Opening the View
I'm embarrassed of things I said before Wil was born. I was ignorant. I just didn't know. Now, when I hear or read certain words, I cringe immediately. My kids cringe immediately. We know better, thank God. When words hurt, our primitive drive is to react with a fight. Eliminate that word! It is evil. … Continue reading Opening the View
Wil’s Growing Independence
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Wil as a young adult. Will he live with Matt and myself? Will he live independently with help? Will he have his own apartment with a friend? Wil is a very social person; he loves to swim, golf and hang out with friends. I know he’ll want to … Continue reading Wil’s Growing Independence
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
Its Not Real…Until It Is
I would say this situation is hardest on Wil. He doesn’t understand as much as I’ve explained it. I’ve heard the response, “I don’t understand, either,” which I respect and appreciate. But Wil doesn’t understand what a virus is. We do know what a virus is, even not knowing all the details of this particular … Continue reading Its Not Real…Until It Is
Chicken Tender Caper
Last night I made “healthy” chicken tenders (soaked in almond milk, whole wheat bread crumbs, etc). I took the tenders out of the oven, hollered to Matt, Elizabeth and Wil, who were outside, dinner was ready then took Katherine to Crossfit. I returned to Elizabeth telling me Wil ate almost 2 pounds of the tenders, … Continue reading Chicken Tender Caper
Navigating Methods of Plane Sailing
“The gate is closing in four minutes, ma’am.” An airline representative said to me as I sat on the floor with Wil. “Yes, thank you. I just can’t get him up. I’m trying.” Katherine was standing by our bags and Elizabeth and I tried to lift Wil up into a wheelchair to roll him onto … Continue reading Navigating Methods of Plane Sailing
Play, Pray and Don’t Say Beer at School
I ran into Wil's room and started cheering, "It's Friday, it's Friday, it's Friday!" He rolled over, giggled, and pulled the covers over his head. I put my hands on his back, and pushed down, then released, pushed down, released, over and again, bouncing him on his bed, singing, "It's Friday, it's Friday, it's Friday!" … Continue reading Play, Pray and Don’t Say Beer at School
Slippery Rocks Ahead!
“Slippery rocks ahead!” It was a dark, pre-dawn August morning in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Headlamp lights bounced off the rocky trail. It had rained the night before, so the trail was slick. The jutting rocks and roots mixed with the elevation proved challenging without throwing in the darkness and slickness. Even though I had read … Continue reading Slippery Rocks Ahead!
Exhale
I emerged from the ladies’ locker room into the pool area, and as always, held my breath. I made a quick scan of the pool. I exhaled in relief to see an open lane. I wouldn’t have to share. Over 2 yards of width and 25 yards of length lined off to my very own … Continue reading Exhale