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
Discarding “Popular” Wisdom
"The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn. We are filled with popular wisdom of several centuries just past, and we are terrified to give it up." Gloria Steinem may have had women’s rights on her mind with this quote, but it rings very true for … Continue reading Discarding “Popular” Wisdom
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!
HOW WE BEND
Today Wil and Manny went bowling. Both are teens with Down syndrome. Manny’s mom, Laura, and I share frequently about our plans, thoughts and concerns for the future. Thoughts about our boys as they age out of the school system; after friends have moved on to college, to jobs, to get married. How will our … Continue reading HOW WE BEND
Processing Time
Wil attended his first taekwondo tournament last Saturday. The environment had the potential of causing sensory distress within Wil. I had been to many taekwondo tournaments in the past with Katherine, as she worked her way up to a blackbelt. There would be many people moving around on the gym floor, and spontaneous announcements over … Continue reading Processing Time
Blending Scenes
“The Buddy Walk is only one mile walk. I think you can handle it,” I joked. “And really, with so many people with Down syndrome, we don’t move fast!” When The Peanut Butter Falcon was available for streaming, I didn’t want to watch it on my own. The viewing experience would be fuller with friends … Continue reading Blending Scenes
Yesterday Was a When
Yesterday, Wil and I had lunch and a conversation on the back porch. One night, I sat on the edge of Wil’s bed. It was the school year of 2016. In the quiet before sleep, Wil was most apt to share his day. I always started with questions about his friends and lunch; they were … Continue reading Yesterday Was a When
You Go Girl!
At the airport yesterday, Wil was struggling a bit with some young children crying. As a Starbucks was nearby, I asked Elizabeth to walk him over there while I stayed with our carry-on luggage (as Katherine was in another shop). Wil was reluctant at Starbucks too, so Elizabeth walked him back to sit with me. … Continue reading You Go Girl!
Simply Powerful
Kristi, Wil’s paraprofessional, sent me this photo of Wil cooking at school with his Connect mentor, Victoria. It was Cinco de Mayo and they were making tacos. Kristi told me he ended up eating 3! It’s awe-striking to me, still, even though Wil is a teenager, how powerful the simplest joys with him are. I … Continue reading Simply Powerful