Stories of Wil: From Monday to Friday in 60 minutes

A little silliness in your morning can change a sluggish start to smooth sailing!

Wil is a 14-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.

Submitted by Christie Taylor from her book, "Stories of Wil: Puberty, Part 1"

When I woke Wil up, he was very sluggish. 

“Hey, buddy, time to wake up,” I said. I sat on the edge of his bed and tickled him lightly under his chin. 

“Hmmph!” Wil turned his face into his pillow and commenced fake snoring. 

“Oh Wil, I almost forgot. It’s your favorite day of the week today. It’s Monday. Happy Monday, Wil!” Wil turned his head from his pillow, opened his clenched eyes, and looked up at me. 

“Ugh, Mom. It’s Friday."

“Hmmm, I’m pretty sure it’s Monday today. Let’s go Monday!” “Mom," he bolted upright in bed, "it’s Friday." 

“Ok, I guess it’s Friday. Ho-hum. How boring. The end of a week of school. I think the beginning is much more fun. Too bad it's not Monday. Time to get dressed now.” 

“Oh, Moooooom. Hugs now." 

“Yes, we can’t forget our hugs," I said, and hugged him. "Ok, let’s get up and dressed and ready for our Monday.” 

“Oh, Moooooom. Ok, I'll get dressed. Go Friday!" 

Later that morning as I was driving all three kids to school, Elizabeth said, “So Wil, what’s for lunch on Mondays?” 

“It’s FRIDAY!” Wil replied. 

“Oh, it is? Phew, I thought it was Monday,” Elizabeth said. Then as they all exited the car at school, Elizabeth said to me, “Have a great Monday, Mom!” 

“You too, Elizabeth!” 

“Sheesh, you guys. It’s FRIDAY! Let’s go Friday!” Wil laughed and took off running to the school. 

A sluggish start can easily extend itself into a very challenging day at school for Wil. Silliness is the kryptonite to his sluggishness — it doesn't always work, but it's always worth a try (and the bonus is the silly start added fun for all of us). Let's go Friday! 

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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.