I had another phone call from Alyssa the other day. Actually, she’s been calling fairly regularly and leaving messages when I don’t answer. The topics are scattered… she covers everything from what she ate that day to shopping trips to things she wants to do when I come visit. Continue reading
The other day, I talked to Alyssa on the phone. She was so excited about my birthday! Note: my birthday was in August. However, that did not deter her excitement in the least.
A: “Is your birthday October 5th?”
B: “No, it’s August –.”
A: “Hm. No. I think you’re October 5th!” Continue reading
I started crying when I read about a fashion show that is taking place the end of this month. And no, it’s not because I’m inordinately attached to clothes or shoes. Continue reading
A Creed for those with Down Syndrome.
My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to loveAs God in the heavens
Looks down from above
When I was in high school, I spent two or three days a week helping out families who needed it… mostly mom’s with a lot of children on their hands. I would run errands, tutor the kids, clean house, babysit, take the kids on outings, and just be available for whatever needed to happen.
One of the families I worked with had a beautiful little boy named Johnny. Continue reading
“It would set me free/If I dared to let you see/The truth behind the person/That you imagine me to be.”
Another reminder that hiding behind our projection of a perfect life or shying away from being real with others will only keep us locked up. I just heard this song and was struck by how powerfully it mirrors what I’ve been writing about… seeing beyond face value and being real about our stories. It is in the telling that we become free.
I remember the day I first realized how beautiful and important it can be to relate with someone about growing up special.
I was heading to Kansas from Colorado… a long drive that normally starts early in the morning. Well, that particular trip didn’t get started until late because I had a lunch date with a friend. Continue reading
Growing up with a special needs sibling gives me a perspective that some may not have… but perspective that I am so grateful for. I realize that others don’t have the same lens with which I view the world. Because of my special needs sibling, I experience life a little differently than others. Continue reading
I could blame my long silence on any number of things; being out of town for three weeks, a busier work schedule, the fact that I haven’t been feeling well… but honestly, it’s just that I haven’t intentionally taken time to post. That’s something I plan to change, starting today.
I’ve had a lot messages on my phone recently… from Alyssa. She calls in the middle of whatever is going on and gives me an update. One of them was so fun…