In the last year or so, we've learned that Beth can't keep up with normal conversation. (This may not apply to every adult who has Down Syndrome, but it does for Beth.) When there are 3 or 4 of us around the ktichen table and we're talking and laughing, Beth is left out. It takes her longer to process what's been said, so she comments on things we were talking about 10 minutes ago. It's taught our family, no it's teaching us - we're still in the process - to slow down and allow her a chance to join in the conversation.
Beth goes bowling every Tuesday. I work on Tuesdays so when she gets home she calls me.
"Mom? I'm back."
"Great Beth. Did you have a good time?"
"Yep."
1 mississippi.
2 mississippi.
3 missi...
I'm trying to wait 7 seconds so she can initiate the conversation. Seven seconds is a looong time! But 8 out of 10 times, she will begin talking! She'll ask me something or talk about a friend at bowling. It's been hard, but so worth it!!
Family
While my dad and sisters were here, we took them down to the Edmonds Beach. The weather was perfect and we walked along the pier, sat on the benches and watched the sun begin to set.
L-R My sis Debbie, Beth, Chuck, my Dad John, Diana, my sis Kathy
