Wil chose not to wear green today. Just because he was told to. I wouldn’t be surprised to find him dressed in green tomorrow; because it would be his choice. Wil did follow the color code on Valentine’s Day. He had been coveting Elizabeth’s neon pink shirt and she let him borrow it for theContinue reading “How We Celebrate”
Tag Archives: Life
Let Us Embrace Our Vulnerable Population
In embracing our vulnerable population we embrace our own vulnerabilities. We crave Love. Love is the base of all things. Love is survival. We crave, live and breathe for Love. In embracing individuals that we previously misconceived as having lesser value, we find in fact their value is greater than ours as theirs is theContinue reading “Let Us Embrace Our Vulnerable Population”
Unsuspected Connections
Yesterday, checking out at the grocery store, the grocery clerk commented on the cupcakes I bought. I said the cupcakes were for my son’s classroom for his birthday. The grocery clerk asked how old my son was. I replied that he was my baby, and it was hard to believe he was already 16 yearsContinue reading “Unsuspected Connections”
Blending Scenes
“The Buddy Walk is only one mile walk. I think you can handle it,” I joked. “And really, with so many people with Down syndrome, we don’t move fast!” When The Peanut Butter Falcon was available for streaming, I didn’t want to watch it on my own. The viewing experience would be fuller with friendsContinue reading “Blending Scenes”
A Little Can Mean a Lot
Yesterday I went to Wolf’s Westside Automotive Service for an oil change. I had been there the previous day to have my tire patched. When I came in for my tire, the front door was propped open, the garage bay doors rolled up, and a refreshing breeze flowed through the lobby. Yesterday was just thatContinue reading “A Little Can Mean a Lot”
You Go Girl!
At the airport yesterday, Wil was struggling a bit with some young children crying. As a Starbucks was nearby, I asked Elizabeth to walk him over there while I stayed with our carry-on luggage (as Katherine was in another shop). Wil was reluctant at Starbucks too, so Elizabeth walked him back to sit with me.Continue reading “You Go Girl!”
Drum Roll Please, Common Ground at Play!
When Wil entered 4th grade, the gap in his abilities relative to his typically-developing peers took a large leap. Wil’s classmates talked faster than he did and played at a higher intensity. Even so, Wil and his friends, whom he had been in school with since kindergarten, formed a strong bond over the years. Whenever IContinue reading “Drum Roll Please, Common Ground at Play!”
Preparing for Homecoming Court!
Wil was elected to homecoming court by his freshman peers at Manchester Junior/Senior High School. As you can imagine, my heart swelled — for Wil and for his friends, and for any positive ripple effect beyond the borders of their school. Wil’s friends didn’t vote for him to make a statement. They voted for WilContinue reading “Preparing for Homecoming Court!”
From Monday to Friday in 60 Minutes
This week’s story is an excerpt from “Stories of Wil: Puberty Part 1” (publ. July 2020)… When I woke Wil up, he was very sluggish. “Hey, buddy, time to wake up,” I said. I sat on the edge of his bed and tickled him lightly under his chin. “Hmmph!” Wil turned his face into hisContinue reading “From Monday to Friday in 60 Minutes”
Who’s Counting?
7th grade was one of Wil’s most challenging years. He entered a new school — the Jr./Sr. High School — with new teachers, new schedules, all while going through puberty. Mix that together with delayed communication skills and it was one heck of a ride! The only constant were his friends he’s had since elementary school;Continue reading “Who’s Counting?”
WILingness 