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!