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Today’s Topic: Laughter

2018-03-17T13:46:52-05:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs|Tags: , , , |

In 7th grade, I prepared my first, “front of class” speech. My topic: laughter. Why do we laugh? More than just funny, sometimes out of nervousness, fear, and breaking tension. I included some cheesy, cheesy jokes, to…you know…break the ice.

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I’m told that my father’s family once said to my mother, “The problem with your family is you judge happiness by laughter.” I’ve reflected on both what’s true, and maybe not so bad, about this perspective. I should write a post about that…later.

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I recently wrote, “LEARNING TO CELEBRATE LOVE” I put a lot of thought into it (more than

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The Center of the Cycle is Loving

2020-02-01T18:41:47-06:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs|Tags: , , , , |

currenlty collage

 

Currently and As Always…

loving, craving, demanding, questioning, worrying

#TBT Post

Loving. From the moment I met him, and each day since, I marvel at the miracle that is Marcus. At times I muse at how he doesn’t look like me, or much like the child, I thought I would have created. No. He looks just like him. He does in so many ways act like the child I thought I’d have, he’s dramatic and funny and creative. And more than anything,

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My Heart Vs The Monsters

2018-01-12T17:44:27-06:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs|Tags: , , , , |

hen I decided to venture out into Blogland, I wanted to share our experiences and teach people, to be positive and tell positive stories. To share the good truths. Also Tragedy Then, just as I entered the blog world, a horrible and preventable tragedy, introduced me to another range of allies and advocates.

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Momaha: How I went from gold medal worrier to luckiest mom I know

2017-11-22T18:42:22-06:00Categories: In the News|Tags: , |

Published on Momaha via Omaha.com earlier this week:

Earlier this month, I stood next to my son, Marcus, while he spoke to a room of more than 1,200 spectators. It was unbelievable to witness.

The event was the star studded “Be Beautiful, Be Yourself” fashion show, which took place Nov. 11 in Denver. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation hosts this event each year to raise money to continue research and improve medical care for people with Down syndrome. Marcus was named the 2017 “Be Beautiful, Be Yourself” Ambassador.

As the parent

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Marcus’ Speech at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Event (Video)

2018-12-02T11:45:16-06:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs|Tags: , , , |

SO, it’s been a week now.

One week since Mr. Marcus Sikora did his second runway walk at the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself fashion show. I can tell you now that at the event last year, Marcus told me that he wanted to give his own speech at this event. That it was not my idea. I even, gently, asked him a few times, “Are you sure?”

His answer, “Yes.”

So, he did.

Marcus in a top hat speaking at the podium of the Global Down Syndrome Event

We shared the video of his

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Marcus and Moving Mountains

2017-03-05T12:01:35-06:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs|Tags: , , , , , , , |

PJs and SchoolThis last Tuesday Marcus and I travelled to Bennington, NE. We shared the animated short and book Black Day: The Monster Rock Band with the students. The kids were all in their pajamas as it was “pajama day.” And also Dr. Seuss week. So the PTO invited a local author in to tell his story. 

Big Kids Classes

Also, with the “big kids” Marcus and I talked about what makes a good story, the importance of set,

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Mystery of Marcus

2017-02-19T16:36:43-06:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs|Tags: , , , , , , , |

The Bates Motel asks: “What mysteries do you want to see unraveled for the future for your child with Down syndrome?” That’s a heavy question and one that I hesitate to answer via the internet. But that’s why we’re here, right? To shed light and truth. Yes, it is. SO, I will continue and you can and should look around at the blog-hop links below. This community is nothing if not prolific. :)

I purposefully waited to write my thoughts until after attending a webinar provided by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) about research and Down syndrome. Two primary scientists spoke, I think most of it was English though I can’t actually confirm. Some of the words could have been Greek.

That’s a joke.

Mostly.

The information included a lot of talk about chromosomes, and genes, and cells and proteins, especially the amyloid precursor protein. This particular protein is a culprit and connecting factor between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. That’s the way I heard it anyway.

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But most of that mystery, I must leave to science. I have a squishier wish than that...

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I Wish I Knew

2019-05-11T15:25:16-05:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs, Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome|Tags: , , , , , |

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I wish I knew…Oh my, we could be here a while. There is no end to what I wish I knew. To what I want to know. To what I am trying to learn and what I wish was just deposited into my tiny brain without me having to work so damn hard for it!

bubblesLately, I’ve been reflecting and noticing what I’ve learned over the last few years especially about medical and social issues relating to disability, of course, most specifically

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A Short PSA to New Parents of a Child with Ds

2019-03-30T11:53:12-05:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs|Tags: , , , , , |

screenshot-2016-09-19-10-44-05.

The Best Days Start with PBJ

Saturday launched with a peanut butter sandwich in Times Square, where we met many friends, some of which we knew before we got there, but not all. Then we watched a big screen in the city that never sleeps and saw babies we “awwwwed,” people we “Cool!”-ed, and – the man we came to see – Marcus.

Marcus on the big screen!

I don’t remember seeing him but I must’ve for the split second it took to hit record on my

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Have You Met Natty and Downs Side Up?

2016-01-10T15:49:39-06:00Categories: Grown Ups & Downs|Tags: , , , |

Marcus Natty BookSometimes we just have to say: “Looky what I got!”

 

This little book came across the pond. It is a sibling’s story to share about Down syndrome and what it means to a family. Mia and her mom are doing their best to change the world and I am honored to have received a copy of their book. Here’s a bit more about the book and its release. “I Love You Natty: An Important Book Announcement.”

If you’re on

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