Picture day was today. Last night Wil took a shower in preparation, and spent extra time choosing a shampoo. I heard him talking to himself as he smelled each one. “Ewww! Too strong. Hmmm, this is old. Mmmm, smells good.” With his sisters gone to college, Wil can safely use what they’ve left behind without … Continue reading Wild Cards & Wild Hairs
The Cure
My son will not play in the NBA; my son will not invent a new vaccine. My son will not design a software program nor manage your finances. My son will not drive a car nor drive a recycling truck. But my son sang for nearly 4 hours on our drive up north without any … Continue reading The Cure
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
In Kindness
Wil was having a challenging day last Thursday. I drove up to the school anticipating driving Wil home. When I walked into his resource room, Wil was seated in his chair with his feet flat on the floor. His torso was twisted toward the back of the chair, his head tucked down. He reminded me … Continue reading In Kindness
Open Book Ice Cream
My high school science teacher was amazing. And I had very little interest in science. He practically leapt off the floor explaining the periodic table. It was like someone just put this amazing hot fudge sundae in front of him and he couldn’t wait to dig in. What amazed me the most was that he … Continue reading Open Book Ice Cream
T-shirt Designs by 8th Graders
Wil's 8th grade STEM class has created a local T-shirt design business. They have been working hard to develop, market and sell T-shirts they have designed themselves. Support them by giving them a LIKE on Facebook page: Iconic Designs --currently a work in progress. Visit their website: iconicdesignsstore.com The first 50 newsletter registrants will get a 5% off … Continue reading T-shirt Designs by 8th Graders
Our Own Little Buddy Walk
The DSST Buddy Walk was virtual this year, but thanks to Wil’s amazing friends and this caring community, we had our own fun walk of about 30 people (and dogs!) in Manchester. Our local Steelegrafix LLC made our shirts this year and not only donated a portion of the proceeds to DSST, but also matched … Continue reading Our Own Little Buddy Walk
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
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