Hiatus Interrupted

Okay, so it has been a long time since I posted. Holla if you missed me! Turns out, things have been kinda topsy turvy, as life is wont to be sometimes. I suppose the event that took me away from bloggyville the longest involved my grandmother passing away. She was 89, had vascular dementia, and lived in a nursing home. I like to think more about other parts of her life than her last 8 years because she was a really fabulous lady.

It is great to have someone of upstanding character in one's lineage. Mind you, I have plenty of unsavory examples also in my lineage, but those can be for another post! My grandmother was a woman who served and gave a lot in her life. She was adventurous and even drove three of us grandchildren on a trip to Washington D.C., Jamestown, and to see the Biltmore-- all by herself. It was important to her that we see all that and know our nation's history. She was successful in those goals and in giving her grandchildren a trip we will never forget.

So many things could paint a picture of her, but one big thing stands out in my mind. She gave parties at her home for teenagers who had special needs. Her only connection was that a good friend's daughter had an intellectual disability, and my grandmother wanted her to have a good time, like all other teens do. I knew this was an unusual act of service when I was growing up, but not until I had my own child with special needs did I realize what a huge gift she gave her friend. Our kids SO need social opportunities.

I am grateful for her example of acceptance, giving, and serving. I suppose her life is a challenge to me to pick up that baton and follow in her determined way.

Pascal Duquenne? Oui!

I like watching actors who have Down syndrome enjoy their craft. I came across this guy recently online (only in my dreams would it be in reality) who is an actor from Belgium.

Watching his trailers is fun! Not only does he act very well, he does it in his native French, which is so cool to watch. He is 40 years old now and, wow-- handsome!

I wanted to show you a trailer from a movie of his, but you tube is not cooperating with me today, so look him up.

Check out his credits below:

Pascal Duquenne
Born	8 August 1970 (1 Vilvoorde, Flanders, Belgium
Years active	1991, 1996, 2004, 2006
Awards	Best Actor Award (Cannes Film Festival) 1996 The Eighth Day Joseph Plateau Award for Best Belgian Actor 1996 The Eighth Day

Pascal Duquenne (b. 8 August 1970 in Vilvoorde, Belgium) is a Belgian actor. He shared the prize for a male role in 1996 Cannes Film Festival for his performance as Georges in the movie The Eighth Day, with Daniel Auteuil, who played Harry.^[1] He currently lives in Brussels. He has Down syndrome.^[2][3][4] In 2004 he received the very high civil distinction of Commander in the Order of the Crown (Belgium).^[5]

"Radio" Torture

Oh, my husband! He signed us back up for Netflix and has had a great string of movies coming. He has single-handedly picked them all, and it is nice to be surprised by what he chooses. (I did not care for "Sherlock Holmes", which we didn't finish, but the rest have been winners.) Tonight's surprise was the movie "Radio." I have put off seeing it because the clip I had seen was nothing short of gut-wrenching.

So, we all 3 watched it together and I really cried. (Not the stray-tear-down-the-cheek kind of crying, either.) Whew. I am still processing and getting it back together. What a great story! What a hard one to watch, though, as parents of a child with special needs! Did you see "I am Sam"? Same thing, but I got through it, as well.

I wondered how my son was viewing it and if he saw himself in it at all. I am thinking he did not. A few minutes after it was over, he came to me and said, "You know what is on my heart? People who don't have enough to eat. I want to do something about it. I think that is what God wants me to do." Wow. The young man in the movie could not afford certain things and appeared hungry at one point, but I was surprised that that is what stirred him. I told him I would help him do something about this. (Which only started the tears again!)

He really is my inspiration.

Choose To Be

I need to tell you about a unique opportunity in which you can participate in a study of Proverbs that is held by telephone. My sister-in-law, Pat, is part of a team who helps women in a variety of ways. Their website is called Choosetobe.com, and you can check it out. Their great idea is to allow women to participate via conference call! You don’t have to say a thing; you can listen and glean all kinds of practical wisdom from Proverbs. (You can get the book if you want at Amazon.) Then, when that study is over, they will be doing several “issue” talks, pertaining to parenting, marriage, etc.

I think this is perfect for today’s busy woman who wants to grow in her spiritual life, but does not want to or cannot leave her house. Below are the details. I am thinking I will have to check this out myself! You can listen live or find the call-in number on the website for the recording of the study and listen at a different time.

Believe me, if my sister-in-law is part of it, you will want to be involved, too. She has a ton of energy and will bless you if you are only around her for 5 minutes. When I married into this family, I did not know what a bonus I was getting when I got her! She is a really gifted counselor and a good friend to me.

Below is what she sent me. What a great way to help women right where they are – literally! Starts THIS Tuesday.

An Invitation for You

In 2012 what will you look back and say were the best choices you made in 2011? How important is it to find encouragement and direction for life… as it’s happening? What can you count on day after day no matter what life challenges you may face?

With great excitement, beginning February 11, 2011, each Tuesday night we invite you to join our “Choose to Be” team as we begin an ongoing adventure together learning how to know God in our daily lives and apply God’s Truth in a practical, personal way. We will bring tips for daily living and ways to “enjoy the process” as we go.

God’s intention is not for us to live our life confused, overwhelmed, fearful or without hope. His Truth promises to direct us one step at a time.

WHAT: Weekly Conference Calls

WHEN: Every Tuesday night, beginning, 1-11-11

TIMES: 6-7 pm Pacific time

8-9 pm Central time

9-10 pm Eastern time

STUDY: The Book of Proverbs

STUDY BOOKS: The Bible and “BE SKILLFUL” by Warren W. Wiersbe

The author, Warren Wiersbe, says “The Book of Proverbs is about Godly wisdom, how to get it and how to use it. It tells you how to be skillful in the lost art of making a life.”

CALL-IN # (712) 432-0075 access code: 935742

www.choosetobe.com

Don't Hang Up!

Because I have told you of my love for books and what my favorites were last year, I must tell you about this great book I am reading daily this year. Thanks to my good friend, Miss V, a pretty new leather book has made its way to my bedside table. I have found it to be honest, thought provoking, and challenging. Its daily entries are brief, and they direct my thoughts toward God. It is entitled Jesus Calling. (When I see the title, I immediately want to say, “Hello!! I am here! Don’t hang up!”)

I can see already that its themes are “trust” and “peace”. It is so beautiful. I would say this is one not to pass up for 2011. You can find it here at Amazon.com.

P.S. Husband got the app for his iPhone and loves it. I personally prefer a hard copy.

You Are Wonderfully Made

I keep having a message subtly impressed on me. It comes from a verse in Psalms that came up a lot after my son was born. It confused me a little at the time, because I could not reconcile this with the fact that my newborn had an extra chromosome. I had fallen into the trap of questioning whether someone with a disability could be wonderfully made. (I am embarrassed to admit that now.) Yet, we as parents trusted that it could be true and used it as our chosen verse for N’s baby dedication. “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

I have since come to see how my son is most wonderfully made. The world may see his extra chromosome as a fluke or accident, but this teary eyed parent sees it differently. It is so hard to put into words how I feel for him. I regard him as a hand-made gift, especially designed for the good of our family. His nature is beautiful, sensitive, and kind. He is indeed wonderfully made, and so is each person on this planet.

I have believed this now for several years. As I have gotten older I have even dared to believe it about myself. Lately, I struggle to learn and remember some things new to me at a very part- time job I have. Since I work so infrequently, I often have to ask for help and feel conspicuous and awkward. As I was regretting my lack of experience a few weeks ago, I glanced up and saw a banner for sale in the store. It simply said, “You are wonderfully made”. It was almost like an audible voice. I can’t tell you the surprise I felt and the confidence it gave me. I might mess up several times more that day and need reminding over and again, but the fact remains—I AM wonderfully made. It is true and each time I look at that proclamation, it makes me smile, treasuring this personalized wink from my Creator.

The banner also reminds me of all the worth my son and others with disabilities have, simply because they exist. We base our worth all too often on our accomplishments and the things we are proud of. News flash: You are wonderfully made. Because you were made.

Day 30 -- The Best Gift

There is no shortage of individuals with Down syndrome who inspire. The young lady in this story is evidently a fantastic dancer. I am going to see if I can find video of her dancing-- it would be so great to see her in action. One of the most memorable things about this article is how her dad's pride comes through. He has a lovely quote, "Thalia is the best gift that God has given us."

While there are many kids with and without Down syndrome who will never make the news, their strengths shine and motivate us daily to be better people. Those strengths may be an indomitable attitude, a determined spirit, or simply a beautiful smile. I know that my kids are definitely up there with the best gifts that God has given me.

Day 29 -- Let's Hear it For the Girl (Athlete)

Lately there have been a few guys with Down syndrome or other special needs who have made it to the news with their athletic endeavors. Here is a good article about a girl who plays soccer and who also has Down syndrome. Sounds like she is a real asset to her team in many ways. Great to see a girl getting some news coverage, too!

Check out this young lady's story here.

Day 28 -- Sleep Study

When N was in the fourth grade, it was recommended that he get a sleep study. He went through the whole thing of having electrodes glued to his head and trying to get to sleep in a strange place. Tough night for him and Dad (thank you, sugar), but they got through it. I remember I was out of town when I got the results via a call on my cell phone. The nurse sounded alarmed at the lack of oxygen he received during several episodes of . . . . non-breathing. (I forgot the medical word for that.) She also told me the number of times he stopped breathing which was very scary. It appeared that there was an immediate need for a CPAP machine and an ENT referral.

He got his tonsillectomy for Christmas that year (arrrghhh) and I thought that would be the end of that. But lately my poor guy seems less than energetic. We have had another sleep study in the works for months now – reams of paperwork turned in, etc. I finally called yesterday to discover that they cannot find the paperwork that took way too long to fill out. The kind nurse offered to ask me the vital questions over the phone. (I could hear her flipping pages to find what to do in case of dealing with mom with quivery voice.) Yay Frances! I love her.

But the best part of this story is that while she was filling out the paperwork, it came up that my son has Down syndrome. I could hear a smile in her voice as she said, “My little brother has Down syndrome. He is the best thing that ever happened to our family.” So cool.

Day 22 -- Now We're Cooking

I can’t tell you how much I wish I lived near this guy! I found this story by Kari over at a typical son, and she gave me permission to re-blog it. (Go visit Kari—I find her writing to be thought provoking. Her husband writes for the blog, too!) The guy in this story is not only handsome, but loves having his own restaurant. If he lived near me, we would probably be in there all the time. I hope his locals are!

Just reading what all he has done is so inspirational. My son N often talks about, “What if we had our own restaurant, what would we be cooking today?” (I usually tell him that that sounds SO exhausting and maybe he should just go find a job in an existing restaurant.) IHOP is his love, and since they always hang a banner that says “Now Hiring”, he considers it potential employment. (Come to think of it, he already can make a mean omelet!)

I hope you enjoy the story here and be sure to click on "About Tim".

Meanwhile, N is headed to a Costume Karaoke party tonight. He can dress like any rock star or singer. I have almost convinced him to be Jimmy Buffett. Hawaiian shirt and lei, plus sunglasses ought to get it. (Creativity with costumes does not seem to be hard-wired within me!) We parents are not invited, but I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall there.

Day Three (of 31 for 21) -- Touchdown!

If you check out this story, you will find several heroes in it. First, the coaches (truly some thought went into this and some consideration for this player), the players (both teams), and enthusiastic fans. I like this story a lot. It reminds me that there are humans out there with hearts that beat for things other than winning and for others than themselves. Love it.

Click here.

A Woman I Admire

Recently I had a good talk with a friend who is quite an unusual woman. I first met her when N was just a baby. She found our new mom’s group through the support group and she became a “regular”, faithfully bringing her little infant, who was only a matter of months older than N. This baby was an adorable little fair skinned girl with a shock of black hair, and her momma loved this baby’s Down syndrome. In fact, she asked for it. She requested it. Yes, as a single mom, my friend sought to adopt a baby with a disability. And I could only marvel at her.

Those two have been through much together—major heart surgery, eye surgeries, discovery of significant hearing loss, ear surgeries, and now, glaucoma (all for the tiny one). This mom does not live in my city any more, but she does come here often for appointments. Several years ago, she let me know that another adoption was in the works – her heart would not rest until she received a certain little girl from China who had low vision. So she excitedly added to her family. She completely accepts her girls for who they are, challenges them, encourages them, and yes, loves them so well.

Only a few years ago when we updated, she asked in a laughing tone if I thought she was crazy that she yearned to adopt again. I told her she would be crazy to ignore it if this is what she thought God was calling her to do. She said she had felt for some time that God gave her the desire for these children, they were her purpose, and she wanted one more. And now, for over a year, a darling boy with Down syndrome graces this once all-girl family. Evidently, he has brought a lot of spark and energy as only a male child can! (She was trying to extract a toy tool from the DVD player as we spoke.)

Her selfless approach to living a life devoted to these children leaves me speechless, wishing I could be half the woman she is . . . There are a lot of things she could have chosen to do with her life, and she gives it to 3 precious ones whose parents did not choose them. But she did. And she chooses them every day, laughing at their antics, cooking their favorite foods, taking walks with them, and teaching others to accept them. My hat is off to her. No, to be more honest, I adore her, and I thank God for people like her in our world.