If this is your first time visiting my blog, welcome! Feel free to read through past blogs. I am sharing the adventures of raising our two biological sons with Down syndrome. Caleb is 6 ½ and Joshua is 3. I hope you enjoy!
It has been quite a while since I have had the chance to blog, sorry… I want to share some really funny things that other kids have said. I hope you get a good hardy, belly laugh at some of these great words!
A good friend Kyle (age 8 or 9 at the time) told his mom and dad that he meet a new “friend” at school. He said that this friend reminded him of Caleb. Kyle’s parents ask “How so?” After pondering this question for a while he carefully answered, “Well… he’s a man of few words!” They laughed and asked a few more questions than realized this new friend had Down syndrome! Kyle continued to play with and “look out for” his friend even when it was not popular with his other friends! We are blessed to have friends like Kyle!
Jared (age 6 at the time) and his family came to Joshua’s first birthday party. He watched as Frank changed Joshua’s diaper. Jared stood in complete and utter amazement then simply stated yet almost questioned, “Joshua has his privates?!” Not quite sure where Jared was going with this statement Frank remained silent as Jared continued, “Jordane (his sister) is FIVE YEARS OLD and she STILL doesn’t have her privates yet!!!” It was as if Jared had been waiting silently all of his life for Jordane to “get her privates.” Frank controlled his laughter until Jared left the room….To say the least Jared’s parents had a little talk with him a few days later!
Another friend, Trevor (age 11 at the time), got off the school bus one day very upset. There was kid on the school bus who was not being very nice and was taking other people’s stuff. This upset Trevor to no end! Trevor’s mom started coaching him about how to deal with bullies. But after thinking about the situation his mom realized that the boy may have some special needs… she was correct in her assessment of this young man. So her coaching changed to how to be sensitive, nice and understanding of those with special issues. After a great talk with his mom Trevor sighed, “I just wish all people with special needs looked like Caleb (and Joshua) so I would KNOW that they have special needs!”
We are truly blessed to have friends at embrace our kids! These parents don’t just want their children to be the “nice kids”, they want their children to grow up to be awesome adults… and they will be! My plea to all parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends don’t be afraid to talk about Down syndrome or other special needs with your kids. Let them have friends that are different than them. Ask questions… and answer their questions. And yes, your kids will say some funny things too... and that's okay!
