Stories of Wil: Writing a note, making a plan

Wil’s note to his friends.

Submitted by Christie Taylor

Wil is a 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome. He is the little brother, by 20 months, to twin sisters, Katherine and Elizabeth. Wil’s mom, Christie, knew very little about Down syndrome when Wil was diagnosed shortly after his birth. It didn’t take long for Christie to realize how enriching life with Down syndrome is. Embracing this newfound life, Christie was compelled to share her experiences with Wil. Christie’s desire, in sharing these stories, is to promote an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the amazing capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

Wil was busy packing his backpack. Then he walked up to me and told me what he was doing and walked out the door. I didn’t understand fully what he said. So I watched him walk down the lane of our back field.

If he turned right, that meant he was headed to the River Raisin. If he turned left, that meant we was off to collect sticks. He turned right.

It was a very chilly May day. I threw on a coat and gloves, hopped on our 4-wheeler, and sped down the lane after Wil. At the end of the lane, I stopped the 4-wheeler, got off, and made my way toward the river.

Before I reached the river, there sat Wil – cross-legged in the grass. His backpack laying on the ground, unzipped. The soccer ball he packed had rolled out. In front of Wil on the grass was a spiral notebook. He held a pen in his hand and had written one word: Ashley.

“Hi Wil.”

“Hi Mom.”

“What are you doing?”

“Mom, look.” He started writing.

“Ashley summer? Yes, we’ll see Ashley in the summer.” He nodded and continued writing.

“Swimming with Lila? Yes, you’ll have fun swimming with Lila.” He nodded then wrote again.

“Eating? I know you love to eat!” He laughed and wrote again.

“With Mom and Dad. Yes, Wil, that’s right.”

“Mom, look.” And he wrote “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Wil. Very much. I’m also very proud of you.”

He smiled at me, and signed his name.

“I’m cold, Mom.”

“I bet. I’ll give you a ride home.”

Wil misses his friends, as many of us do at this time. The independent initiative of this act of communication is beyond words. The simple is never simple with Wil. And that is why the joy is always more joyous with Wil.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.