28. September 2010 by Kelly.

Understand as defined by Merriam-Webster:: to achieve a grasp of the nature, significance, or explanation of something 

Understood as defined by the same:: fully apprehended 

Both seem simple enough, yet in the last 15 years I seem to have forgotten the meaning of these two simple words more often than I remember.  

Kyle & Hunter are for the most part non-verbal, but they both fully understand what others are saying to them and about them and if I or anyone that is speaking to or at them would keep this in mind, we might be better understood; or at least have the opportunity to be. They also understand everything else that goes on around them, within reason of course; they are not subjected to most of the nonsense that typical or normal kids are these days, so in a sense, Kyle and Hunter have the advantage of not having to understand things like suicide, drugs, politics, sex, mortal combat, movie stars, rock stars and supposed pro sports heroes.  

It is generally understood that Kyle & Hunter have Down syndrome; they have also been diagnosed with some Autism spectrum disorders however upon receiving said diagnoses we, as the parents, find it increasingly difficult to understand what to do with said diagnosis; there is after all, no magic pill that fixes this and if there were, I am of the belief that maybe it’s more us, as normal folks, that need fixing rather than Kyle & Hunter. 

Understood?

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20. September 2010 by Kelly.

Kyle and Hunter like to help in the morning by going out and bringing in the news paper and on milk delivery days, the milk as well. This morning Hunter was taking a bit more time than usual so I decided to see what he was up to.

Standing in the middle of the driveway in his boxer briefs and T shirt, he was looking straight up at the still somewhat dark morning sky; it was filled with stars, some shining more brightly than others. When he saw me looking at him, he pointed up so as to say “look Dad”, I looked up in amazement both at the stars and at what he might be thinking and seeing himself.

My immediate thought was to be thankful that it was a warm September morning; then I was overcome in Hunter’s thoughtfulness to share the moment with me. How often do I take for granted moments that have such beauty? Am I missing these same moments in the lives of my sons? As much as I work to provide a better life for myself and my family, it is moments like these that I am reminded to enjoy what I have right in front of me, right now.

One of my father’s favorite lines was ‘stop and smell the roses’ and now I have a firm vision of Hunter, in his own way telling me to ‘stop and look at the stars’.

Thank you, Dad and Hunter for the reminder and the lesson.

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