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 … Continue reading With a little help from my friends
Inclusion
I am enmeshed in the world of people helping people; of making inclusion work. Personally and professionally. I am on a high learning curve, always, with both Wil and the children I work with. Down syndrome looks much different than other disabilities, and of course, no matter the disability, each individual is their very own … Continue reading Inclusion
Take Another Think
We may believe our thinking is correct; or it is good—that we are good people. Even those of us that call ourselves open-minded may find we have unwittingly closed off our minds when spending time with individuals with disabilities. Why is this? Because we have to see it their way first to understand. And many … Continue reading Take Another Think
To “Be” or not to “Be”
At 53 years old I am a student. At 89 years old I will be a student. When I say goodbye to this world, I will be a student. Yesterday, I was trying to help a student who has autism. I was kind. I gave this student squeezes, I spoke calmly; soothingly. This student's aggravation … Continue reading To “Be” or not to “Be”
The Perspective of Time
Wil has grown so much in his 10th grade year, and I can’t thank Kristi Campbell, Hope Schook and Heidi Drake enough for that! For this fact, it gives me space to snicker when I read about a day like this: 10:05 Refused to work10:08 Turned it around10:25 Refused to work10:30 Turned it around1:50 Refused … Continue reading The Perspective of Time
Inclusion Slam Dunk!
Wil’s paraprofessional, Kristi, told me how Wil — of his own will — went to the closet in gym class, pulled out two baskets and two balls. He proceeded to toss the balls in the baskets. His peers joined in his created game by cheering him on. Today I picked up Elizabeth, Wil and their … Continue reading Inclusion Slam Dunk!
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 that … Continue reading A Little Can Mean a Lot
Just Make Him Do It
One of the most common things I hear (and what many of my friends who have children w disabilities hear) is, “well, just make him do it.” I literally feel a huge distance grow between us with this seeming logic. And yet, it’s a very difficult distance to close as there is no logical explanation. … Continue reading Just Make Him Do It
A Sucker for You
Communicating with Wil is an incredible experience. Though he has been in speech therapy since he was months old, he has always been one savvy communicator. A tilt of his head and a smile melts you into a puddle of mush on the spot. When music takes him over, his good vibes serendipitously course through … Continue reading A Sucker for You
The Science of Galileo & Prince Wil
Like Galileo in the cathedral observing a lamp’s swing, I, too, marvel at the back and forth motion of Wil’s days. On Monday and Tuesday Wil swooped back. He refused work and escaped the school, with his paraprofessional, Kristi Campbell, hot on his heels (I joke that Wil has turned her into a runner). The … Continue reading The Science of Galileo & Prince Wil