Summer of a Lifetime

When school ended, we wasted no time in our memory making.  Josiah was slated to attend summer school 3 days per week.  I was scheduled to teach drama for 2 weeks.  The big boys were signed up for 2 weeks of summer camp at the YMCA.  All would come to pass and a whole lot more.

In the 48 hours following the end of school, Josiah had 5 therapy sessions (2 physical therapy, 2 speech therapy, and 1 occupational therapy).  We visited a playground, a playground/splash pad, and attended a baseball game.  Oh yes, we hit the ground running!!!!  It was summer, at last!

July rolled in quickly.  Josiah continued his therapies 2 days per week.  We had play dates and movie nights.  We celebrated the 4th of July by meeting Josiah's new best friend (the little girl with Down syndrome, who attends school with him) and her family.  We spent a glorious day at a local theme park.  In the evening, we went to a friend's house.  We enjoyed great food, friendship, and fireworks over a private pond.  The boys all played with friends.  The adults enjoyed the fun that friendship affords.

We went to a zoo.  The boys had Saturday swim lessons.  Josiah started his summer preschool program.  Mama started teaching her 2-week drama camp.  The big boys started their 2-week YMCA summer camp.  It was busy but everyone was happy, and at peace with life.

We threw in drop-in playgroups & farmer's markets.  The oldest resumed karate (though it was short-lived).  Carl started iron infusions and found more energy.  We attended a benefit dinner for the 5 year old's preschool teacher, who had since been diagnosed with Cancer.  Carl & I celebrated our 9-year anniversary.  We enjoyed a few date nights.  Josiah had an audiology appointment & his hearing came into question (again).  It was believed hearing aides may be beneficial so we started considering the option.

August was quickly upon us.  I was still teaching.  The big boys were still attending summer camp.  Josiah was attending summer preschool 3 mornings per week & therapy 2 afternoons per week.  Yet we continued pushing our goal - making memories with our boys.

We went to a water park with a great local group - all families have a child with Down syndrome.  We attended family night at the YMCA.  The boys attended summer Birthday parties & back to school parties.  They loved summer camp so much that they were signed up for an extra 2 weeks.  It was proving to be the summer of a lifetime!!!

We revisited the local theme park, playgrounds, splash pads, and filled in many days with love and laughter.  As the last week of August approached, our busy schedule started to slow.  My 2-week drama camp ended.  Josiah completed his summer program.  4 weeks of summer camp came to an end.

Josiah had a sedated CT scan to rule out possible physical causes of his hearing issues.  There were none.  The CT scan did note an unusual density to his cerebellum - something that will be further examined with an MRI.  Meanwhile, we actively pursued the hearing aide option.

The former preschool teacher lost her battle with Cancer.  We said goodbye to her, crammed in a field trip, celebrated my Dad's Birthday, and quickly welcomed September.  A new school year was about to begin.  Josiah was moved to a toddler bed (from his crib) and has slept like a big boy every night, since! 

September 1st: The first day of school!  Summer was over.  We were disappointed but looked forward to what a new school year would bring.....

Time

Time is a funny thing.  It keeps you going.  It provides joy and laughter, pain and tears.  Sometimes you have too much.  At other times, not enough.  I suppose the same is true with life.

Once upon a time, I wrote for the therapeutic value.  I wrote for the enjoyment.  I wrote because I had something to say.  I wrote when I was at a loss for words.  Then the writing slowed but not because any of the motivators had vanished.  Rather, it seems TIME to write had vanished.

As I'm realizing that nearly a year has passed since my last post, my mind is reeling with the knowledge of all that has transpired since.  As I try to compartmentalize the events of 2015, I shall endeavor to share my year's journey with you.

Josiah completed his first year of preschool, in June.  His 5 year old brother completed his last year of preschool in May.  The oldest brother completed the 2nd grade, at the end of June.  The second half of the year brought cold weather & snow.  It slowly welcomed Spring.  Recess resumed for children.  We felt less trapped. 

The slightly warmer weather made us long for Summer.  By April, we looked forward to summer vacation and the increased opportunity to "make memories" with the boys.  We began planning a trip to Disney (to commence in 2016).  We couldn't wait for less school, more fun.

It was during these months that we became friendly with another local family.  They have a daughter who also has Down syndrome.  She is 6 months younger than Josiah.  She began school in May.  She and Josiah were placed in the same classroom.  We were thrilled.  Josiah liked her; she liked him.  Everything was simply right.

Josiah bloomed during his first year.  He had made huge strides with fine & gross motor skills.  He was signing more & attempting to speak more.  The older boys had enjoyed a great year.  School was coming to an end.  We couldn't wait for summer.  Time moved slowly but summer was finally upon us.

"Making memories" is what we do best.  Now was the time for fun.