Brian and Connor Long
Alright kids, another treat today as we continue the What are the Odds? Series Today we’re hearing from Brian Long, self-proclaimed Dadvocate.
First however, I must tell you that one of the inspirations for the What are the Odds? series was me thinking about the odds of having a child with Down syndrome, like, at all. Mark Leach recently (the same day I started this series coincidentally) reshared his What are the Odds post from a few years ago. I replied:
@MarkWLeach Kind of funny, I started a What are the Odds series on my blog today. Btw: 1 in 2000 for us. #Lucky
— Mardra Sikora (@MardraSikora) April 30, 2015
SO, I think it’s interesting that the first two folks to roll the dice for this game both rolled a 2,3. Which is the roll for the very question that inspired this series. What are the Odds? Well, 1 in 36, if you want to be technical, but it is interesting, isn’t it? On to the player! Today’s answers come from the dad of the Connor Long. You’ve seen me talk about Connor’s work in Menschen and here is a great video promoting his next film, Learning to Drive. SO, without further ado, this is what Brian has to say to the roll of the dice.
(2,3) Do you have a child with DS? How old were you when your child was born?
Yes. I was 35, but recommend you do it younger. Write that down.
(4,4) What’s your #1 Hot Tip for New parents of a child or baby with Ds
This too will pass; this confusion, the fear of the (currently) unknown. Have faith that over time your child’s unique personality attributes will re-balance what now may feel like a stunning, overwhelming, monolithic diagnosis of potentially negative things. Try to live the life you had planned. Go spend time with a toddler with Ds — they are better than lab puppies and baby seals combined.
(6,1) From this one word prompt either write or send a picture reply: Push.
Don’t be afraid to push. Your child needs challenge and stretching leavened with fierce love, not mushy, coddling and (your) sentimental self-indulgence. *Editorial note from Ms – Brian and Connor and the whole family live to Push. Check this out:
Connor in Training for the Courage Classic
Cyclists: We want YOU to join our team for the 2015 Courage Classic bike tour!All funds raised by Global’s “Dare to…
Posted by Global Down Syndrome Foundation on Friday, May 1, 2015
(5,3) A lucky day
THAT day. You’ll come to see it.
(3,6) Is life a game of luck or skill?
Yes. The skill is in controlling how you react and respond to things that are out of your control which you perceive to be lucky or unlucky.
Sharing today as a #TBT to only last year – but hey! I like this post. And it makes me think, what am I gonna do this year?
Hmmmm
Connor on set of Learning to Drive
Can I say I think the game of life is equal parts luck and skill? But I also think that ‘luck’ is preparedness meeting opportunity. So that might tip the scales in favor of skill. Most of us are doing the best we can with what we have.
Yup!
Hmmmm … probably a little bit of both!
I enjoyed these comments from Connor’s dad. I only know Connor through facebook, but he seems like a cool guy.
I think so too! On all parts.
Life is like a box of chocolates, but you don’t have to eat them all. If life were an actual box of chocolates, I would eat them all.
Let us meditate on this.
Om!
Quinn is a keeper, for sure. 🙂
Great answers by Brian!
True. Both counts.
Conner looks like someone you’d like to hang out with. He looks so cool in that hat! Thanks for the great answers, Brian…it is clear you’ve got this!