“Oxonya,” Wil whispered in my ear. “Oxonya? Is that someone in a movie?” “Ugh, no!” Wil said. He leaned again to whisper in my ear, “Oloxonya.” “Alanya?” “Moooooom!” “Sorry, Wil. Can you say it out loud instead of whispering it?” He leaned in to whisper again, “Olllazanya.” “Oh, lasagna!” “Yes, Mom, geez.” “Wil, say l-l-l-l … Continue reading What’d You Say?
This Is How We Do
This morning I said to Wil, “You have school today.” Wil was sitting criss-cross applesauce on the couch. He had his lap desk balanced on his legs, upon which was a plate and his breakfast sandwich. Mickey Mouse Roadster Racers played on the TV. Wil turned his head to look at me, careful to keep … Continue reading This Is How We Do
Play, Pray and Don’t Say Beer at School
I ran into Wil's room and started cheering, "It's Friday, it's Friday, it's Friday!" He rolled over, giggled, and pulled the covers over his head. I put my hands on his back, and pushed down, then released, pushed down, released, over and again, bouncing him on his bed, singing, "It's Friday, it's Friday, it's Friday!" … Continue reading Play, Pray and Don’t Say Beer at School
Slippery Rocks Ahead!
“Slippery rocks ahead!” It was a dark, pre-dawn August morning in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Headlamp lights bounced off the rocky trail. It had rained the night before, so the trail was slick. The jutting rocks and roots mixed with the elevation proved challenging without throwing in the darkness and slickness. Even though I had read … Continue reading Slippery Rocks Ahead!
The Morning Wash
This morning was a full-on 30 minute morning to get Wil out of bed and into the kitchen for breakfast. This is how it went: "Wil, time to get up." "Hi Mom." "Good morning, Wil." "Good night, Mom." He giggled and pulled the covers over his head. "No, it's good morning Wil." I said as … Continue reading The Morning Wash
Exhale
I emerged from the ladies’ locker room into the pool area, and as always, held my breath. I made a quick scan of the pool. I exhaled in relief to see an open lane. I wouldn’t have to share. Over 2 yards of width and 25 yards of length lined off to my very own … Continue reading Exhale
Special Needs, Peers & Boundaries
Many schools have a peer-to-peer program in the middle and/or high schools. These peer-to-peer programs are where a typically developing student is linked with a student with special needs. At our school this program is called Connect. Wil, who is in 7th grade, has been linked with two high school students, a male and a … Continue reading Special Needs, Peers & Boundaries