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 I … Continue 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 Wil … Continue 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 his … Continue 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?
Simpler Times
Wil has a karaoke machine in the basement. He flips the “on” switch, dials up the flashing lights, but the microphone remains in its clip. He cannot be tethered by such things. Every single day, be it a weekend morning or a weekday after school, Wil inserts a Luke Bryan CD in the karaoke machine … Continue reading Simpler Times
Complex Simplicities
She usually wears shoes to golf but in this heat, my guess is she wouldn’t leave the house without her flip-flops. She slipped off her flip-flops at the driving range and sliced the golf ball just as expertly as she did with shoes on. She sat down to brush the dirt off her feet. Her … Continue reading Complex Simplicities
True-Blue Happiness
As I waited in line at the pharmacy for Wil’s thyroid meds, I glanced at the magazine covers displayed below the check-out counter. A woman on one shiny cover sat cross-legged in a peaceful, meditative pose; mindfulness is the way to happiness. Another shiny cover had a full-page close up of a spotless country kitchen; … Continue reading True-Blue Happiness
Behind the Magic
Wil jumped onto the tube without hesitation. Wil’s friend CJ, who we were visiting, propped himself on the tube next to Wil. Elizabeth laid down on the opposite side. CJ’s dad, Randy, asked if they were ready. All three gave a unanimous thumbs up. Randy fired up the boat and CJ’s mom, Cheri, was already expertly snapping pictures. Heavy clouds loomed; we wanted to tube as much as possible before the storm … Continue reading Behind the Magic
Brace Yourself
“Look, Mom!” Wil widened his smile. A thick cord of wire ran through every braces bracket attached to the top row of Wil’s teeth. Then I noticed one of the brackets hung suspended over the jagged edges of an emerging adult tooth. Wil had just lost the baby tooth that previously held the bracket in place. … Continue reading Brace Yourself
Open the Door to LEt In the Know
Last night my neighbor came over to deliver some squash and zucchini from her garden. Wil was sitting in the Lazy-boy watching Wild Kratts. He'd been to the pool, then outside playing, and had just finished eating dinner. He was chillin'. My neighbor, Nancy, asked him some questions. He didn't want to answer. Nancy takes … Continue reading Open the Door to LEt In the Know