I'm a single mom raising a daughter with Down Syndrome. She's 21 now, and we have learned quite a lot about what it takes to be your best self in a special needs family. It's been quite a journey, and along the way we have met some pretty amazing people. Many people have inspired and supported us. I am hoping to share, inspire and learn from other families of children with special needs.

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Several years ago our family was asked to participate in a mini documentary on unified schools for Special Olympics.  They had seen something special in Kate and how we were raising her.  The video was well received and led to an amazing trip to Chicago for the 50th anniversary celebration of Special Olympics.  Kate was asked to attend as an event photographer.  They had seen some of her photos and thought she would do a good job documenting some of the planned events.  

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Special Olympics is an exceptional organization and I learned a lot from them.  Being in that environment and experiencing a different take on special needs was so enlightening.  Kate's video played on the jumbotron at the big concert on one of the nights during the 50th anniversary celebration.  She left the concert to a thunderous standing ovation!  She took it all in stride, but the rest of us were stunned.  Several of Kate's teachers had traveled with us to attend this event; I was happy to have them there and to see them acknowledged for their part in this achievement.  Kate was even recognized on the plane ride home.  

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Before we left Chicago to head home, Kate was asked to travel to china and represent Unified Schools along with a few of her closest childhood friends and her teacher.  It was the trip of a lifetime for us all.  During this trip, I reflected more on what it meant to raise a special needs child, what  resources were available, what opportunities for Kate I could create and how to use them all.

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After years of experience I imagined I  had something to offer others, especially those less further along in the process.  There have been countless I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) meetings and teacher conferences. I have to admit these meetings were 99.9% positive, enjoyable and inspiring but I had heard from many parents that these meeting were torturous and heartbreaking. Many left in tears and calling lawyers.

It really doesn't have to be that way. I was determined to create a completely different experience for my daughter and our family. It was all about attitude and strategy.  And, of course, lots of humor.  It's okay (probably necessary) to find humor in all of this.  I promise that this journey can be truly amazing!