Back in October, US Dept. of Education Office of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) asked the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) if they could assist in finding a self-advocate to submit a blog for their Down Syndrome Awareness Month focus. […]
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happiest New Year! Last year, we took a sabbatical from our annual Christmas letter so we could focus on getting Rachel graduated and starting the transition into the world of adulting for her. As usual, […]
Four weeks from today Rachel’s college classes as part of the Missouri State University Bear POWER Program begin. Excitement and lists are plentiful around our house! While the key question for a very long time may have been “What will […]
The holiday season inspires a spirit of generosity and giving, and if you still itemize deductions on your taxes, a rush to get some year-end deductions by donating to worthy charities. I read and hear that many people are flabbergasted […]
We’ve had about 10 days to recuperate from the election. For most of us, no more election calls or advertisements. I apologize to those of you experiencing recounts or run-offs. For those of us who prioritize policy advocacy, the real […]
Rachel loves to vote. She has been visiting politicians and capitol buildings and talking to legislators since she could barely walk. She has gone with us to the polls, rallies, town hall meetings, and even a few strategy meetings. Political […]
Today is the last day of Down Syndrome Awareness/Acceptance Month. Yesterday, we registered Rachel for classes at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Seventy-five days from today Rachel starts her classes at Missouri State University in Springfield. She will be […]
I have blogged about the ups and downs and hurts and joys of all friendships. This is Down Syndrome Awareness/Acceptance Month, but I haven’t written too many original blogs. Today, I want to provide encouragement in the form of a […]
It has been almost 20 years since we entered the world of Down syndrome. In that 20 years, I have a complied quite a list of phrases, comments, assumptions that I find ridiculous, ignorant, stupid (sorry but sometimes it just […]
“Thank you Jesus that my mom and dad come see me work at the Olive Garden. I love my job at the Olive Garden.” – From Rachel’s morning prayer earlier this week. “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts […]