In 1955 Jill Kinmont Boothe, a U.S. champion skier, crashed during a race, which paralyzed her. Boothe became a role model for her tenacious pursuit of altered dreams. She learned to use her shoulder muscles to write and paint. She studied German and English at UCLA. She was a teacher for 30 years.* In other… [Continue Reading]
Hold the pity. Please.
Feb 22, 12 By · 5 Comments
I love showing off the awesome that is Parker. There are days where I could swear this kid glows with his love of life. The joy he radiates is not just contagious, it engulfs you, sweeping you up in a happiness hard to find in this world.. This is one of the reasons I’m often… [Continue Reading]
Communicating with my non-verbal kid.
Feb 15, 12 By · 6 Comments
I’ve changed things up with Parker’s communication invitations lately. They aren’t the the perfectly set up displays I once created. Instead I have a basket of toys that change every few days. They stay the way Parker last left them, awaiting his return and the next time we spend communicating. Parker telling me via… [Continue Reading]
So Can I.
Feb 9, 12 By · 4 Comments
Deep down inside, in a place where the spirit whispers to your heart, I had this knowing that Parker was going to be born with Down syndrome. After his T&A. Taking into account my ‘advanced maternal age’ and the length of Parker’s femurs, we were given odds “good enough to take to Vegas” in terms… [Continue Reading]
The Bill of Rights: Special Needs Style
Feb 9, 12 By · 2 Comments
A Bill of Rights of parents of kids with Special Needs (I don’t know who originally created this. If anyone knows, please let me know and I’ll give them credit.) You have the right to take one day at a time, and take that day positively. Having control over the future is a pure illusion…. [Continue Reading]
Speech (or no speech) and the kid with special needs.
Feb 7, 12 By · 14 Comments
A Facebook friend posted this today: From your child with special needs: “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the lord to give me words to speak. But if they never come this way, let my mommy know everything will be ok. Boy, howdy, did this one hit home. I’ve been thinking of… [Continue Reading]
