I was just kinda wondering about a few things. Like, why do we get burned out? Why on some days do I love my son’s stuttering. It’s really not even stuttering, it’s halting, starting a word, bringing it back in and reforming it. Then it all tumbles out until the next words get backed up … Continue reading Creating Space & Saving Spoons
Creating Companions
Wil (in backwards cap) & friends To see our teenagers sit together comfortably, easily, familiarly — that was the goal many years ago when we parents joined Down Syndrome Support Team. We parents were just trying to figure out what the heck this life with an extra chromosome meant. We laughed, we cried, and we … Continue reading Creating Companions
Turning the Tide: A Story of Growth and Inclusion
Growing up, Wil has loved boat rides with his Grandma and Grandpa. So when his sisters were invited on an impromptu trip around the lake with some of the neighbor's kids, they jumped on — and Wil stayed back with his grandparents. My dad noticed a shift in Wil’s demeanor. He didn’t say anything, but … Continue reading Turning the Tide: A Story of Growth and Inclusion
Down Right Perfect
I remember one day wearing a “Down Right Perfect” t-shirt as I marched up to the high school doors to collect Wil after school hours because he had run from getting on the bus. He booked it up the steps to the second floor and hid. Once he was found, Mr. Walsh walked him down … Continue reading Down Right Perfect
Paradoxical Path
A singular new word Wil calmly adds to his vocabulary, in a such a way that only I — or his closest educators — would hear stands out like a stacatto flashing me back in time to a movie reel loop when he was 5 or 7 or 10, working a skill on a repeat … Continue reading Paradoxical Path
Wil is graduating; this is a hard one. Raising Wil I’ve gone through what I think of as “3 acceptances” so far: Acceptance of Ds Acceptance of new behaviors of puberty. (That was a tough one!! That truly took a village!) Acceptance of transitioning out of high school. Wil is ready to graduate, though; he’s … Continue reading
Wepa!
Wil has a very set — and happy — routine in the morning. His alarm goes off, I go to his room, sing him a song and give him a hug (definitely a daily stop and smell the roses moment for me — making time for songs and hugs are Wil’s priorities and remind me … Continue reading Wepa!
It’s a Wonder
I think all of us look at our seniors in wonder. Because when they are born, that’s all we can do; we can never quite know how the future will unfold. I still wonder as I look back on how he — and we all — got here. I cannot fully express my gratitude for … Continue reading It’s a Wonder
Leaders in Life
Our Human Services leader is telling us to be weak. To be devasted by a diagnosis. To feel damaged because our children are neurodiverse and may not pay taxes. I was devastated but I CHOSE to RISE! I CHOSE to love my child for who they were and to find others that gave me strength … Continue reading Leaders in Life
Lightweight Powerhouse
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