Being Up With Down Syndrome

Dear Dad, it has been ten years since you were taken from us.  I don't like to go back to that morning in July when we lost you.  You that could make me laugh at anytime.  You that would call me in the mornings and say "is this Helen Ogden???  Pause...Rogers???  You would wait for me on the porch when I would come over with all the littles.  I miss you.  Miss all the cop stories.  Miss all the Crafton stories of growing up like a Wonderful Life.  Miss the big dinners.  What I wouldn't give for just one more thanksgiving dinner.  Just one more.  I will admit this.  My life has a piece missing ever since you died.  Some things aren't as fun anymore.  I don't laugh like I used too and I know and understand too much now.  I know you had a hand in getting Kate to us. She certainly would have been the apple of your eye.  You would have wanted to see her...  She is my families joy.  So, here it is your birthday and this was always a big deal!!!  You first and then mine wi

As I sit in the quiet of my house this morning, I am thankful.  Our life is about to get very busy with one young adult commuting to College, one child to pre-school and two young teens to be homeschooled with outside classes.  It is going to be very busy and for the children, exciting and fulfilling.  I'm trying to take on an attitude of success and accomplishing many things.  Part of me wants to just skip to Thanksgiving break!  You can't wish your life away.  It is all going too fast. The first child up in the morning is our Looly (Kate).  She wakes up and then begins the "talking" and raspberry's.  I like to hear her say Mum!!!  The joy and hugs in the morning are so loving.  She wants her sippy cup of milk and after a piece of toast while watching her favorite show the Wiggles.  She will be starting a new year at pre-school next week and I can't wait to see her blossom even more than she has. Each girl wakes up all sleepy eyed and hair disheveled a