Who or what turned up the heat?

It’s July and it’s hot. Do you know what else is hot? Our book. It’s been twenty-one months since its release and it’s still bringing the heat. I do my best to remain humble as I continue to receive comments from people who have already or are currently reading it or listening to it on audible.

I can hardly believe it’s almost two years old, which is how long it took me to write the darn thing…well a little longer, but who’s counting.

So why did changing from June to July prompt me to count out the months? Who knows? Perhaps it’s because life with my son has been about celebrating milestones and now, I’m doing the same with my book. What I do know is that this feels like a great one to me because the number twenty-one changed my life. My son’s extra chromosome is in the 21^st set giving it the medical term, Trisomy 21. And in July 2021, I made the brave decision to retire after thirty-six years with the same company to pursue this crazy but amazing dream I’m living.

Now, here I am reflecting on what has happened in the last twenty-one months. Which has been A LOT! For instance, if I’ve done my math correctly (I’d seriously question me here), I’ve done twenty-one radio and podcast interviews on motherhood, Down syndrome, Inclusion, becoming an author, and the most recent was about my spiritual journey. Wow! And to think I was NOT going to do public speaking.

Being the sentimental person I am, I decided to thumb through my book, and while doing so several of the chapter titles stood out. It’s as though they were trying to call my attention to the things that are either happening in the news, our family, or experiences having to do with them and they wanted me to notice this.

For instance, Chapter Sixteen- Mombarrassing Moments. At times, encouraging my son’s independence comes with a price for this ole mom. We’re in the season of wearing shorts. My son insists on wearing his jean shorts aka jorts, and if that’s not bad enough, he pairs them with long socks. This hurts me! Not only does it hurt, but depending on what socks he chooses, they scream, “Hey you, look at me and my not so incredible style.” Ugh! I’m waiting for the day the Fashion Police arrest him. Honestly, he’ll always be hip to me.

Speaking of being arrested. My son’s favorite chapter in our book is nine, Smooth Criminal. This past weekend we attended an MJ live concert. This was a Michael Jackson impersonator doing his best (or was it) to sing the iconic songs from a legend who blessed us with amazing talent. Matt sang along loudly, and off tune, enjoying the songs of one of his all-time favorite singers. Then, the music for Smooth Criminal began. Before I knew what was happening, my son hopped up and scooted past me right out into the aisle and began gyrating his hips along to the beat. Say what?! Yep, that night my son did an amazing performance for hundreds of people around us. They clapped and cheered for him. It all happened so fast, although I’m not surprised…my son loves to entertain. Thinking back, I should have passed my hat around so that those enjoying the show could donate to his performance. Next time.

While we’re on the subject of iconic singers and music my son loves, let’s talk about Chapter Eight- Mr. Katy Perry: His Teenage Dream. It has been brought to our attention that Katy Perry’s relationship with her fiancé has ended. That’s a bummer. We are conflicted about how to feel about this. Breakups are hard so of course we send our best to the couple. That said, if we’re to be honest, this news has made her husband (my son) very happy. Now that there aren’t any obstacles in the way, he feels his chances of becoming Mr. Katy Perry have increased. Basically, Orlando has given my son a gift.

As long as we’re on the topic of gifts, let’s reflect on Chapter Fifteen- I Hope You Like Cookies and Milk. This is my chapter on Christmas. The chapter where I share about my son’s belief in the magic of Christmas and how that magic was stolen from me when I was ten.

Well, Matt and I were out delivering Meals on Wheels (this is a great volunteer program if you’re looking for a way to make a difference), when I heard “Wendy!” I turned to see an old friend of mine that I haven’t seen in forever standing on the sidewalk behind me. She and a companion were out prophesizing for their church, (they are Jehovah’s Witness). I gave her a hug and then she blurted out “I loved your book!” I smiled with excitement; I love when I unexpectedly receive this comment. She proceeded “I laughed so hard at Billy!” Confused, I couldn’t remember writing about Billy. Did she forget my son’s name? Then it clicked. Billy is the fictitious name I used for the young boy in my book who was a Jehovah’s Witness and took pleasure in stealing that Christmas magic from me many years ago. Of course, she liked that chapter! We had a good laugh then said our goodbyes. I got in my air-conditioned car and waved as we drove off. Feeling sassy I cranked up the air and chuckled to myself as she continued to walk in the extreme desert heat we were experiencing that day. It’s a bit chilly in here. Who’s laughing now?

In reality, I’m torn between laughing and crying. I need new carpet. Have you priced this lately? Yowza! I’m blaming our vacuum and its powerful suction. That sucker is aggressive and has taken its job too seriously, sucking up not only the crap, but the carpet itself. This thought takes me to Chapter Eleven in my book- Buy a Dyson—They Suck. I loved my Dyson! That vacuum lasted almost two decades. Then, two years ago instead of sucking the dust, it bit it. We began to shop around and while I would have preferred to replace it with a new Dyson model, it was not in our budget. So, this time around we went with a Shark. I have several Shark steam mops, and I love them so I knew I could trust the brand. What I didn’t plan on was the extreme power it would have. I should have known. If they have power in the ocean, why wouldn’t they on land? Now, who can I count on to help me move all our furniture and lend me a few thousand dollars. Anyone? Anyone?

The new “Karate Kid Legends” is out and if I’m to be honest, I didn’t want to see it. I’m that person who gets tired of all the remakes, especially after experiencing the originals before the special effects are considered cheesy. In our family we give and take when it comes to choosing where we eat or what we do for entertainment. On this one I dug in my heels which did me no good because my bunions prevent me from wearing heels so all I own are flats. I went begrudgingly to honor the family rules and to make my two boys happy. Turns out it wasn’t so bad. In fact, the movie gets a thumbs up from me. I know, right!? It was a feel-good movie that could have stood on its own, but it was nice how they tied in the two stories aka branches of the family tree.

And wouldn’t you know it; a remake is now happening under our roof. Chapter Ten in our book, Down Syndrome in the Dojo, is currently having rehearsals. My son came home, busted out his karate moves, and started reminiscing about his old sensei and karate friends like he never left the dojo. There’s nothing cheesy about this remake. In fact, I love it when he gets these bursts of energy.

Speaking of remakes, there’s another blockbuster movie coming out next week, so I have approximately nine days to find me some heels. Who am I kidding? I’m going to give up before I even try because I’m going to lose this one too. Matt is stoked for the new Superman movie. Seriously! How many of these movies can they make? But I’m working on my attitude and hope to be pleasantly surprised as I was with the Karate Kid movie.

Another surprise? I was today years old when it hit me, Super Matt, the chapter about my son and his superhero qualities, is Chapter 21. My son, my real-life superhero with an extra 21st chromosome. The irony? Perfect. And no, I didn’t say Iron Man…although my son would totally have heard it that way.

I guess a good place to end this would have to do with Chapters Twelve and Thirteen, Son’s Day and Boob’s Booze and Dragon Tattoos (how’s that for a title?). Both of these chapters are about birthdays, which my son and I love. We believe in celebrating life — our birthdays, yours, and the birth of a nation, which is just days away. Wishing you a joyful and safe 4th of July! And when it’s your turn, we hope you have a very Happy Birthday!