PinnedSlow Enough to Get it RightFeeling like an imposition had imprinted on my DNA over a 30-year, now defunct marriage.Oct 12, 2024Oct 12, 2024
“What do you value?” (I don’t hate that question anymore)What do you value? Do you struggle to put into words what is most important to you? I did. But I just learned the solution.Dec 29, 20231Dec 29, 20231
Caring is a Superpower“I’m just checking in. I’m concerned about you and hope you’re okay.”Oct 30, 20231Oct 30, 20231
Taking critters on their own terms and you on your own termsIn my first job, my boss regularly reminded us to “take the critter on their own terms.” He was referring specifically to chimpanzees.Apr 24, 20231Apr 24, 20231
I confess: I manipulate my handicapped brotherAt some point in each day, Dean goes into what we jokingly call a “No-storm,” during which he contradicts whatever you say.Mar 1, 2023Mar 1, 2023
Cancer, Down Syndrome, and fun.Because his thinking is simple, Dean is labeled: mongoloid, retarded, cognitively-challenged. But simple thinking can be clear thinking.Jan 4, 20231Jan 4, 20231
Epiphany: Down Syndrome and “Don’t cry for me”My brother Dean was born with Down Syndrome. Often when I say that by way of introducing a story, people will interject with, “I’m sorry.”Oct 11, 20221Oct 11, 20221
Epiphany: Down Syndrome and Seeing Beneath the SurfaceDean was born with Down Syndrome and was the best bagger at Shaw’s market. That’s not just what he would tell you. His customers would too.Oct 4, 2022Oct 4, 2022
Epiphanies: Down Syndrome and Accepting YourselfThe doc told my parents the baby was “mongoloid,” that they didn’t have to see the baby again and that it could be institutionalized.Oct 1, 20222Oct 1, 20222
Epiphany: Dementia, Down Syndrome, and MusicI’ve learned my most poignant lessons from my brother Dean, who was born with Down Syndrome and now at 54 years suffers with dementia.Sep 20, 20221Sep 20, 20221