New Baby, New Me

I am Uncle Andy and thats what Isaac calls me. When I first heard my nephew had been born, I was pretty excited. At that time, I was a careless and irresponsible person. But even I was thrilled to hear about Isaacs birth. Because of my lack of couth and overall self-centeredness, it did not occur to me what Mandy and Louis (Isaacs mom and dad) had just been t...
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My Newborn Baby

Before finding out that my newborn baby had Down syndrome, I had no knowledge of Down syndrome or the Special Needs community. When I saw someone with Down syndrome, I usually just tried not to stare and didn’t let my mind dwell on the topic for more than a second. My stream of consciousness might have sounded something like this: “There’s a retarded person standing over there. He’s making w...
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A Loving Child Named Isaac

I would be hard pressed to find of a child more loving than Isaac. He is a child that only knows love and knows no strangers. Isaac would have hugged the Elephant man if he were still alive. We are tainted by a society where looks mean everything; they mean nothing to Isaac. Most kids today spend five minutes with a new toy before getting bored and wanting another; Isaac only needs one. I ne...
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GJ’s Good Jobs!

GJ’s Good Jobs Entry #2 I recently picked up a book entitled From Disability to Possibility. As a teacher, I immediately dove into it thinking I would be reading about the endless possibilities awaiting the “disabled” student as he or she is integrated into a regular education classroom. Within the first few paragraphs I realized I had it backwards! Of course, I had it back...
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Children With Multiple Disabilities

In 2001-2002, I worked in a classroom with children with multiple disabilities. These children were approximately ten years of age. I have fond memories of this experience because two of these kids had Downs Syndrome. These two gentlemen were so fun loving. They enjoyed the learning experiences where they could interact with you. They were always willing to offer hugs and smiles that al...
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Christmas Eve 2002

Christmas Eve 2002 Our boy Isaac was born on December the 18th of that year. The next night our hospital room was visited by a grim faced doctor from the genetics department. “We think your child has Down Syndrome. Testing will be done. Here is an information packet.” Maybe he said more than that, but I don’t remember. He laid the packet on the table and left the room. We...
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Living in the Now

My relationship with Isaac began a few years ago as I was paying a visit to his mother. I wasn’t sure what to expect, since I had never spent time with a person like Isaac. As he greeted me, he examined my face thoroughly. It was the first time I had ever felt so transparent. It was like he could see parts of me that were invisible to others….and to me. In that moment of vulnerability, we we...
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Time Flies

2012 the year you will be a decade!Dear Isaac,It’s hard to believe that this year you will be 10 years old! I remember the day that your mom told me she was pregnant like it was yesterday. 4 weeks later I found out I was pregnant too. Your mom and I became friends before I met my husband Chris, she is actually the reason why I went through with meeting my “internet lo...
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