Youth Trip

I thought things were a bit complicated when Ethan was little - but not nearly as complicated as things are becoming as he approaches young adulthood.  One of the ironies of having a child with a disability is that, despite how much they can't do, for the most part their emotional and physical growth isn't too far behind their typical peers.

One concern for us is Ethan's emotional health as a young adult.  Did you know that adults with Down syndrome are prone to depression?   Yep.  They have that innate desire to belong and have purpose, yet we overlook them as not having those feelings because of their disability.  After reading a book about emotional health in adults with Down syndrome, we are trying to give him more opportunities to be independent.  It is hard for Ethan to be so, however, because of his difficulty with communication. 

One of the great things about our church group here is how welcoming and inclusive they have been.  From the stake leader to the kids themselves, Ethan has been made to feel welcome and is included in everything.  Kudos to the adult leaders for being such good examples.  And to the parents, for raising such great young men who are so welcoming.  Even though they can't really understand what he is trying to tell them, they include him and never overlook him.

Ethan went on a bus trip to Atlanta yesterday for a stake youth conference.  They left at 6:30am and came back about 12 hours later.

Ethan had a blast.  And the leaders said he was just great.

Yeah, we let him take the ipad, just in case he needed us!

The stake even provided a GLUTEN FREE meal for him.  Like I said, they are awesome.

Ethan's young men leader.  He has been great!

Right or wrong, I usually make judgments about people by the way they treat my son.  Everyone in the Harrison Bay Ward has been so welcoming and loving to him - it just shows me what great people they are - inside and out.