Lists and More Lists

This morning began with the lists floating past my blurry eyes.  It’s Monday, for sure, but I tell myself to begin again by taking a deep breath and being thankful for this new day.  The yellow pad in front of me starts to fill with itemized lists of To Do assignments that I can’t wait to check off as the day progresses.  What is it about the satisfaction of that check in the box that gets me every time?

I think back to Sunday’s events of the Frog report with Hannah.  The notes and rough drafts accumulated over three weeks, the pictures of the shiny red-toed frog and the Goliath cut out with her best OT skills being put to work.  Her attempts at typing, left in a saved folder, were typed over imbedding her patient work.  “That skill will come,” I say to myself.  Practice and time will be the answer to that one. 

I’m lost in my memory of working with my girl, still creating my list.  A smile comes across my face as I think of her stopping her work after 5-10 minutes to go outside to toss a Frisbee with Dad, or run upstairs to dance with Jerad, playing loud music just for her.  She came downstairs in three different outfits in the duration of the time we set aside for this report, but it still got the boxes checked. 

Before we kissed goodnight I heard her words, “I love you more ever!”  They came with a gripping bear hug that choked my neck and smothered me on the pillow propped up beside hers for the nightly ritual.  This box was checked.  The most complete ending to our day.  It wasn’t even on my list, and yet, those are my favorite things to accomplish in my day.  I wish you luck, and more importantly, gratitude, in accomplishing all that isn’t on your list today!

Anita, The Kindness of Strangers

Anita Gives a Fresh Perspective
by Diane Hobaugh

If you ever get the chance to see Anita, played by Alejandra Manzo, go and see the movie.  It was a rare treat to sit and watch a 105 minute film, complete with Spanish and English translations, brought to our area by the Jewish Community Center.  The film brought laughs, tears, and deep reflection on the simplest of routines and the complexity of life and relationships.

The character, Anita, was so charming and authentic in the way she portrayed her plight from lost and alone to finding her way.  She meets interesting characters, who at first have no inkling about how to help her, nor do they necessarily want to, but they still find a way to move her along in her journey. 

They are given something in return, something only people with Down syndrome are best at giving: a sense of peace amidst confusion, a sense of purpose in everyday life, a sense of belonging when they are treated as outcasts, and a sense of determination of spirit to go on.  We can only glean a sense of, not the entire emotion, attitude, or spirit, mainly because we cannot fully understand what goes on in another’s mind.  Still, it gives me something to think about in the way I approach daily life and struggles.  Take a fresh look and appreciate.

Anita: Down Syndrome

Room Mom

Room Mom

“I have heard you would make an excellent room mom,” she said.  The words from Hannah’s teacher conjured up images in my mind of Old Mother Hubbard and tasty little parties for restless third-graders.  Yes, I can do it, but I waited for the barrage of parents to take this position as they did in kindergarten, first, and second grade.  I think the teachers had to draw numbers to keep the kindergarten parents from duking it out on the playground.

It isn’t the job, necessarily.  It isn’t even the title of room mom or room parent that scares me.  The fact is that every child is expecting grand things this year.  That should be enough to send shivers up my back.  I have always had ultimate respect for the room mom.

I will do my best to involve every parent who thinks they can even slither away unnoticed.  A snack, a napkin for an event, a thank you for the hours of dedication to their teacher, will all be expected and appreciated.  Maybe I’ll get a rainbow wig and have fun with this.  I think it will be a great year in the third grade!

Good Daddies Bring Out the Best in Us!

We went shopping today for Father’s Day.  Yay! We found the perfect gift, perfect fit, for the Dad of our dreams.  The wrapped bag went into my closet, hidden beneath the clothes on my shelf, ready to style with paper and ribbon before Sunday. 

I should have known better.  Clues in my past should have popped up and alerted me with the biggest blow horn to divert attention and develop a secret plan to alter the course of events that would surely follow.

Hannah was swinging through the air, happiest to have her Daddy pushing her so high.  Swinging and singing away at the top of her lungs, “We bought a present…a beautiful present…We bought the glasses.  They’re for my Daddy.  We bought them at Macy’s!”

“NOOOOO!” I screamed from my upstairs window!  The screaming turned to laughter as I raced with toothbrush in my mouth…something I knew I shouldn’t do…foaming all the way to my daughter’s room.  “She did it again!” I blurted, spewing white suds, and wiping my mouth on my sleeve. 

Our laughter left us both red-faced and scheming to develop a new plan.  Got to love the blabber mouth!

Opportunity Takes One Step at a Time

"...God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work." Cor 9:6-11



One Step at a Time 
by Diane Hobaugh

An opportunity,
An open door is scary.
Your presence is with me,
Believing in me
Before I believe in myself;
Encouraging me
With the Holy Spirit
Empowering and changing
Heart and mind guided
For your purpose,
Your power, and
Your glory.

Lord, thank you,
For choosing me,
While I stall
In the shoes of denial,
You are there,
Encouraging me
To take a step;
Through daily Scripture
I move in the direction
I believe
You are calling.

The Gifts of Which We Boast by Diane Hobaugh

Sit with me and share the truth   

of ways our love is pure.               

Our child has changed our world and views           

striving to care for her. 

Inevitably, the mystery   

of life becomes exposed.             

The one we care for most            

presents the gifts of which we boast.       

Investing time and talent              

has never gone to waste.             

Each decision made thoroughly,

without impulsive haste.               

The fruits of love return to us      

throughout each living day.         

My heartfelt prayer is sent to you             

that you may feel this grace.       

My Dear Friend

by Diane Hobaugh

Does God know our pain? 

Does God know our suffering? 

He does.

Does God know our grief

when we don’t know the answers? 

He does.

Does God want us to fly into the unknown,

trusting that He will be with us? 

He does.

Can I let go of my fears

and live as I am called to live? 

I can.

Will I experience the life I am meant to live

for myself, my child, my family? 

I will.

Will I be supported with friends for the journey

 in this beautiful life? 

 I will.

Am I ready for today;

to live, to love, to be? 

 I am.