This Monday there was not a 7 minute standoff success story as I shared last Monday. In fact, after 20 minutes I remained the only one standing. After giving Wil silent time to process, there was not a hint of progress. I tried being silly. Wil loves being silly, so the tug to join my … Continue reading Firmly Rooted
The Flip-Side
“It’s hard raising a child with disabilities.” If I had a quarter for every time I heard or read that statement. Bear with me while I flip the coin for a moment. No story is ever one-sided. When I watched Wil walk off to his cabin for his first overnight camp, without even a glance … Continue reading The Flip-Side
The Amazing is in The Choice
There is no magic formula to acceptance of our friends with disabilities. Acceptance, in its essence, is very simple. You don’t need to be a special person. You don’t need to be born kind or compassionate or patient.You don’t need to be energetic or inspirational. You don’t need to be anything other than willing to … Continue reading The Amazing is in The Choice
Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
A sticky, filmy, wiggly smudge snaked across my computer screen. I’m not a fan of snakes, but I looked at this one endearingly. Just a few days ago Wil was flipping through photos on my computer. They were photos of experiences at Camp Sunshine; the camp he’d be going to this very weekend. He smiled … Continue reading Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
High Rider
I walked into the parking lot area where Wil was to take his PEAC bike camp. I was overcome with a positive, uplifting feeling — thankfully this type of feeling is not unfamiliar. I’ve grown accustomed to this shift from breathing dense air into a higher atmosphere in only one step. This atmosphere is one … Continue reading High Rider
Tree Wil and Glitter Christie
The past fall, I struggled with the thought of never truly being an empty nester. My thoughts were a twisted, tangled jumble of yarn – strands of prickly burlap wound tight around strands of brilliant, transparent glitter. The brilliant strands of glitter represent Wil’s near constant song. Nearly every event calls for a song -- … Continue reading Tree Wil and Glitter Christie
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
A Right Turn
47 chromosomes…did something go wrong, or did something go right? There are still tire marks on the ground when I changed direction of thought and peeled off toward something going right. We are now so deep into this right-pathed scenic route that I wonder at how the question is even asked at all.
Special Needs Siblings
These two young women have stepped up to the plate more than most realize; and they do it with love and grace. That said, Katherine and Elizabeth treat Wil like any little brother — loving him, being annoyed with him, and standing up for him. Their life requires an extra level that is not easy … Continue reading Special Needs Siblings
Look Back/Move Forward
Yesterday afternoon Wil had a challenging moment. It's been awhile since he's tried to flee a situation; it was an impromptu situation with lots of moving parts. Of course, Wil's challenging moment means a challenging moment for me and those around me, as well. After all was resolved and I had calmed myself down, I … Continue reading Look Back/Move Forward