One of my favorite parts about Special Olympics events is when I thank the volunteers for their time, and they say, “No, thank YOU! We are so very thankful for this opportunity.” And in further discussion you find they volunteered once as a “good deed” and now it’s 20 years later and they wouldn’t miss … Continue reading Deeper Than a Good Deed
House of Cards
Most of us don’t choose to be caregivers. Then next thing you know, you find yourself standing on a house of cards. Last night a friend was at a neighboring table for dinner with her husband and another couple. After they had eaten dinner, the other couple left. As our friend tried to leave, her … Continue reading House of Cards
Centurion, Collaboration & Education
"I don't want to live until I'm 100." One said. "Oh, me either." Replied another. Both shared their own beliefs for saying so. I found myself bristling. Actually jealous. And how silly of me. Who gets to choose how long they live? But what I found myself upset about was how they could take this … Continue reading Centurion, Collaboration & Education
Altitudes
Is skydiving hard? Is raising a child with Down syndrome hard? Though the questions remain static; our answers come from different places. **** Last night Wil and I drove to Elizabeth’s basketball game in Bedford (just north Toledo). A dark sky, flat un-scenic roads — minus the occasional Christmas lit homes — and nearly a … Continue reading Altitudes
Another Gear
I pulled up in the driveway at 7:45AM after coaching. Just as I was about to exit my car to go inside our home and check on Wil’s readiness for school, he ran outside and into the car! He was fully dressed, complete with his hoodie, backpack and even socks (which sometimes prove challenging for … Continue reading Another Gear
Submerged to Surfaced
Wil totally worked the system last night… Over the summer, Wil greatly anticipated celebrating at his Connect friends’ senior grad parties. However, once at the event, he’d soon become overwhelmed with the activity and number of people and flee. As many of the grads live in the country, I’d turn my back in conversation, only … Continue reading Submerged to Surfaced
A Good Morning!
Wil set the alarm on his iPad last night for school (I showed him how after asking the twins if they had an old alarm clock Wil could use. Elizabeth said, “Mom, just use his iPad” 🙄). On mornings I work, Katherine or Elizabeth typically wake Wil. He is very independent now, and it’s getting … Continue reading A Good Morning!
Proudly Hail’d
At last Friday's homecoming game, Wil and five choir companions formed a half circle in front of a microphone. The spectators, packing the stands, rose with hats and hands placed over hearts. The perfectly uniformed Manchester marching band spanned the field behind the semi-circle of singers and began their patriotic play. I held my breath. … Continue reading Proudly Hail’d
Out-Turn
Most mornings these days Wil wakes up happy and cooperative; he’s nearly sixteen years old now. We have a few morning struggles but nothing like his earlier years. He enjoys school, seeing his friends, and his independence. We talk about what day of the week it is, the month and the season. Wil keeps close … Continue reading Out-Turn
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