Christie Taylor Uncategorized

With a little help from my friends

Wil had a very hard morning. He would not get out of bed. Would not budge. Usually I tickle his feet. He laughs, sits up and says, “Hug Mom!”

He loves high school so even if he’s tired he is typically happy to get up and go. This morning was a throw back from the middle school years when hormones were running high and he had feelings he could not process or communicate at the time which lead to many new behaviors. But we emerged from that time; even if he has a slow start now, he can talk to me and work through it on school mornings.

I racked my brain as to the causes of his demeanor. My guess is a cold is brewing within him as I’m sick, plus he had Social Group Wed night and Music Therapy last night; he’s probably just plain tired.

As he laid in bed, he grew increasingly upset with himself for not moving, which ironically kept him in the “feeling stuck” loop. A wise special education teacher, Mrs. Hancock, shared with me that on these situations it’s about responding not compliance. I thought Matt, being a fresh person in the scenario, would help break him of this stuck loop.

I called my husband Matt at work on speaker phone. Wil shared with Matt that he was “upset.” I felt my heart jump up and cut through my stress with elation. For Wil to share his emotions in his current emotional state was a very important advance. After talking to Matt, Wil was able to unwind whatever was wound inside him and turn it around.

Wil started to get dressed but was still teary. I asked if he needed a hug. He gave me a tight one then I felt him loosen up. I knew then that he would be okay. I texted his teacher to let him know the situation and Wil may needed a calmer start to his day. I’m thankful he begins each school day in the life skills room rather than gen ed so he can go his pace to start and then gain momentum for choir, PE and art.

Our friend, Kate, had previously offered to drive Wil to school that morning, so again a fresh person always helps Wil’s demeanor and he adores Kate. When she walked in the door, she said she had his favorite songs ready to go in the car. Music to his ears (and mine)!

I was very rushed at that point — I hadn’t even brushed my teeth yet as I’d been trying to motivate and give Wil the time and space he needed for the last 30 minutes. I quickly made him his breakfast request to go — 2 turkey dogs with peppers, mustard and relish.

After he’d been in school for about 2 hours, I received a text from Jessica, whom I work with as a paraprofessional, forwarded a picture taken by Ashley who is working in his classroom. Seeing Wil smile big with his classmate buddies made me 🥹🥹🥹.

This morning was very hard, but as Mr. Rogers wisely said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ❤️

Christie Taylor Down Syndrome

Struuuuuuuummmm!

As our school is in a hybrid format, the kids are home on Wednesdays. One of Wil’s assignments on Wednesday is to watch CNN10 (10 minute overview of news). In transition from one news story to another, there is a brief musical interlude. During one of the interludes, Wil joined in with some air guitar.

I thought to myself, who couldn’t use a little air guitar interlude in their day?

Rock your Thursday, friends! Compliments of your buddy, Wil. Struuuuummmm! 🎸🎸🎸

Christie Taylor Down Syndrome

Drop It To The Floor!

When Wil drops himself on the floor, there are times when someone who doesn’t know him well will step up and say, “Let me try.”

“Have at it,” I say. Then I sit back and observe what I already know is going to happen. I can’t always predict the exact words, but I do know the tune with which the words are played. It’s a sweet tone; syrupy sweet. The notes tilt up as they go, the sentence always ending in higher notes.

I know this tune, I’ve used it before. But it’s not getting him off the floor. Though the tune is sweet, the words are still based in someone else’s agenda, not his. And he knows that. If the Pied Piper came to town, Wil would be the sole remaining child. Unless, of course, the Pied Piper was well-versed in Luke Bryan. Then Wil would fall into step.

If it’s not his tune, he’s not budging. Though he may appreciate the sweetness of the notes, underneath it he knows it for what it is. Your tune, not his. No amount of syrup is going to slide him in your direction. Unless of course, it’s in a bottle of Sprite. Then you’ll be singing his kind of song.

At home, if I want more of a cool, calm vibe, I’ll ask Alexa to play “Van Morrison Station.” Wil will throw his head back and holler out, “Ugh, Mom! Alexa play Luke Bryan Station!” Then he’ll start breaking out his latest dance moves. “Watch this, Mom!”

It’s not that hard to get Wil off the floor, unless, of course, you aren’t playing his tune.