One of the most common things I hear (and what many of my friends who have children w disabilities hear) is, “well, just make him do it.” I literally feel a huge distance grow between us with this seeming logic. And yet, it’s a very difficult distance to close as there is no logical explanation. … Continue reading Just Make Him Do It
Complex Simplicities
She usually wears shoes to golf but in this heat, my guess is she wouldn’t leave the house without her flip-flops. She slipped off her flip-flops at the driving range and sliced the golf ball just as expertly as she did with shoes on. She sat down to brush the dirt off her feet. Her … Continue reading Complex Simplicities
Tunes of the Territory
Wil had become overwhelmed and fled the situation with little warning. I chased after him and tried to get him to open up. He never did. Wil has grown greatly in his communication skills, and each time we go somewhere he grows in independence too. However there are multiple stops that must break way to … Continue reading Tunes of the Territory
Vocal-Ease
It was just after 9 p.m. and I heard the back patio door click shut. I tucked Wil into bed only moments before. But I knew it was him. My alarm was set for 3:20 a.m. to rise for work, so I’d recently tucked myself into bed too. I got out of bed, walked to … Continue reading Vocal-Ease
With Chocolate chips on top
“Well, you have enough challenges raising Wil.” I write about the challenges raising Wil, so it’s expected to frequently hear that, and I’m thankful. I used to hear, “well, he’ll always be happy.” To wrap Wil into one emotion both undermines who he is as a person, and the value of what it means to … Continue reading With Chocolate chips on top
How Big Is a Millimeter?
Early animation was created millimeter-by-millimeter. To some, this is a tedious process -- much too much work. Others enjoy the sinuous flow of the completed project, unaware of or unconcerned with the process behind the scenes. To the animator, however, the diligence, patience and love poured into every intricate detail has special meaning. Each development … Continue reading How Big Is a Millimeter?
A Sucker for You
Communicating with Wil is an incredible experience. Though he has been in speech therapy since he was months old, he has always been one savvy communicator. A tilt of his head and a smile melts you into a puddle of mush on the spot. When music takes him over, his good vibes serendipitously course through … Continue reading A Sucker for You
A New Flight Path
On the day of Wil’s birth, the nurse said he was “floppy” which is a soft marker for Down syndrome. He melted into my chest. The soft, defined curve of his eyes warmed my heart like I’d known this love forever. At the same time, the shape of his eyes sent a hard marker of … Continue reading A New Flight Path
A Darn Straight Day
“Mom, I worked hard today!” Wil shouted as he threw the car door open and took a seat right behind me. The school day had just ended. Elizabeth slid into the passenger seat and Katherine jumped in next to Wil. “No way, Wil, not three days in a row.” I said. “Yes!” “Nope, not possible.” … Continue reading A Darn Straight Day
What’d You Say?
“Oxonya,” Wil whispered in my ear. “Oxonya? Is that someone in a movie?” “Ugh, no!” Wil said. He leaned again to whisper in my ear, “Oloxonya.” “Alanya?” “Moooooom!” “Sorry, Wil. Can you say it out loud instead of whispering it?” He leaned in to whisper again, “Olllazanya.” “Oh, lasagna!” “Yes, Mom, geez.” “Wil, say l-l-l-l … Continue reading What’d You Say?