12.16.2012

A boyfriend...


Sara  has a boyfriend.  To many moms this would not seem like a big deal- or news for a blog post, but for this mom it is.  Sara has Down Syndrome.  When she was born the doctors told me she would never walk, talk or attend public school.  Pretty much anything resembling "normal" would be out of her reach.

It's a good thing I didn't listen to them.

Sara is in her last two years of public school.  She is 20 years old and in the 12+ program created by her incredible teacher.  Most kids in the Special Education system simply age out at 22 while continuing to attend the same classes they did for their four years of high school, but Sara's teacher saw an opportunity to do more with those last two years- and she did.  Sara is learning about money, how to budget, create a menu and shop for it, take care of her laundry, cleaning, and self care.  All "normal" things for any 20 year old.  This past week we added something new to the mix.

A real boyfriend.  Not Justin Bieber anymore, but a boy who thinks Sara is "sweet & cute".  We really like this kid.  He is a few years older than Sara, but they know each other from school and Special Olympics.  He works with his brother mowing lawns and has one of the best work ethics I've ever seen in a person so young.

Sara keeps telling me how cute he is.  She giggles when she talks about holding his hand.  It makes my heart swell to see her so giddy.  It's something I've always wanted for her, because nobody wants their child to be alone.   They have gone to the movies together, seen Christmas lights, gone out for pizza- and yesterday they attended a party.


I know some parents freak out a bit when their daughter starts dating, but I am loving it!

14 comments:

  1. What an adorable couple - she looks so happy - how can a parent freak out when they see their child looking so happy?
    Sounds like you did an amazing job - I like her choice much better than Justin lol
    With love,
    Suzan

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    1. We are liking this guy much better than Justin too ; o )

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  2. How sweet! They look like a very happy couple!
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  3. This makes my heart swell. I am so happy for Sara & for her momma who gets to experience this milestone too. God Bless & Merry Christmas.

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  4. Oh, good for you Sara! They are an adorable couple. Very sweet. I am very happy for you. Her teacher sounds amazing...so does her mom :)
    Karen

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    1. Thank you, Karen! She has been blessed to have some amazing educators in her life : o )

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  5. It should work out great. After all, don't shorter women do well with taller men?

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  6. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me! Hooray Sara!!

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  7. Tricia, that's awesome!

    On a side note, I think all kids could benfit from the 12+ program. Kudos to Sara's teacher.

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  8. How perfect! I love hearing about the 12+ program. We had something similar in the district where I taught in Oklahoma.

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  9. Just found your blog and I love it! What a beautiful story! They look so happy, eveyone deserves to be happy; and to fell and give love. ~Leslie

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Thanks so much for popping in. I appreciate all of your lovely comments...Tricia