This morning I lifted arms, and was in between weight choices — one was a little too heavy and one a little too light. I chose the lighter weight today. I really focused on contracting my muscle and slowing down. Veins and muscles popped with the lighter weight as I was super focused on form. … Continue reading Lightweight Powerhouse
Light 💡 Ranch
Not so long ago, if anyone gave Wil choices he’d pick the last choice offered. This morning I asked him, “What dipping sauce do you want? Ranch, mustard, ketchup or honey mustard?” “H — Ranch.” Wil corrected his auto-response for what he wanted. Life is full of tiny miracles embedded within everyday occurrences. Our kids … Continue reading Light 💡 Ranch
Age is Just All Numbers
Wil and I decorated the Christmas tree. It’s the first time we’ve done it just the two of us. Usually the twins are here so he’ll hang a few ornaments, but then move on to singing or other activities around us. As Wil was home sick, and we needed low-key activities to stave off boredom, … Continue reading Age is Just All Numbers
Staying Open
It happened after an event in the high school gymnasium. I don’t remember the event, but the after-scene is a moving photograph vivid in my mind. Wil approached a group of male high school peers on the gymnasium floor. At his approach, the circle broke with fist bumps, hellos, and high-fives with Wil. Two boys … Continue reading Staying Open
It’s the Chocolate Chips in Life
“It has chocolate chips in it, Mom.” It’s those details that you never miss. The telling me about something, when at one time he couldn’t. I used to ask questions I knew he could answer. Because if he didn’t think he could, he’d shut down and I’d get nothing. When Wil used to eat a … Continue reading It’s the Chocolate Chips in Life
Stages of Independence
I sat in my seat as Wil walked up on stage to receive his school honors. He needed no support or assistance. He, like his peers, walked from his seat to the stage and back to his seat. As he returned to his seat, I waved so he could find me, but he didn’t need … Continue reading Stages of Independence
Whale Starts with W
“I swallowed a marble.” I was in the living room. Wil was sitting in his bedroom adjacent to the living room. Wil often talks to himself – many of us do. It helps us better process our thoughts, and it’s the same for Wil and for many people with Down syndrome. I quite like eavesdropping … Continue reading Whale Starts with W
Inclusion: Reason to Care
I’m no born-natural. I’m not made to raise a child with Down syndrome. But here I am. And working as a paraprofessional, no less. I have a lot to offer, we all do. But I have a lot to learn; that’s exactly why am I where I am. Not because I was born with a … Continue reading Inclusion: Reason to Care
Rise & Shine
Last night Wil’s music therapist recapped his session with me. She said, “I know how hard positioning his fingers and his wrist is for him . I can see his restraint from giving up. He has a lot of focus to keep going. That shows me he has been well supported.” That last sentence 😭 … Continue reading Rise & Shine
Disability Invisibility Goggles
We historically do not like people who think differently than we do. We want things to work out the way we want them to and we surround ourselves the best way we can so things work out the way we want them to. When things don’t work out the way we want them to we … Continue reading Disability Invisibility Goggles