In 2016, our church produced a video with Jocelyn’s story of our early journey with Julia. Watching it ten years later, I was reminded again that, though I’ve learned a lot, there is so much more…
Ten years ago, Jocelyn shared the story of our early journey with Julia…
As I watched it again, I was reminded how some of the most life-giving adventures God has drawn me into often involves me kicking and screaming, “I don’t wanna!”
The adventure has continued to unfold since that video.
Back then, we had navigated past a contentious school administration and were enjoying the fruits of our advocacy and collaboration with a Special Services Department that seemed to get it. They had started to understand that Julia was not a problem to be solved. When given a little space and support, she imbued the life of the school and her fellow classmates a deeper richness akin to that hint of cardamom added to your favorite rice pudding recipe.
She’s finishing her freshman year of high school, still alongside the cohort of kids she grew up with. She’s the only kid with Down syndrome at Seaholm High School and she’s living her best life. Their curriculum tracks are different; but they are living alongside each other, encouraging and watching out for each other. They embrace her and keep her safe from the bullies and she reminds them of their intrinsic worth with a high five and her uncanny ability to recall the names of hundreds of students.
Today, we had a great meeting with Julia’s school Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team, where some of the first remarks on the IEP were, “Julia is a vibrant part of the Seaholm community.” The team has done a lot of complicated work to make that happen – but everyone at the school is better because of it.
But there’s more.
A month or two ago, Julia was approved for the Children’s Waiver Program for home and community based services funded by Medicaid. The network of assistance it brings will be a game changer for us to help Julia to reach her fullest potential to be a blessing in this world.
To all of my friends of all political stripes, I challenge you:
Help is not a handout.
Worth is not determined by economic output.
Empathy is not a sin.
Nuance is not a dirty word.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t either.
Protection of life may begin at conception, but it doesn’t end at birth.
…and…
The personal journey away from “mine” is the most important one.
That is just a small fraction of what Julia has taught me.
A Reminder of the Adventure
Ten years ago, Jocelyn shared the story of our early journey with Julia…
As I watched it again, I was reminded how some of the most life-giving adventures God has drawn me into often involves me kicking and screaming, “I don’t wanna!”
The adventure has continued to unfold since that video.
Back then, we had navigated past a contentious school administration and were enjoying the fruits of our advocacy and collaboration with a Special Services Department that seemed to get it. They had started to understand that Julia was not a problem to be solved. When given a little space and support, she imbued the life of the school and her fellow classmates a deeper richness akin to that hint of cardamom added to your favorite rice pudding recipe.
She’s finishing her freshman year of high school, still alongside the cohort of kids she grew up with. She’s the only kid with Down syndrome at Seaholm High School and she’s living her best life. Their curriculum tracks are different; but they are living alongside each other, encouraging and watching out for each other. They embrace her and keep her safe from the bullies and she reminds them of their intrinsic worth with a high five and her uncanny ability to recall the names of hundreds of students.
Today, we had a great meeting with Julia’s school Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team, where some of the first remarks on the IEP were, “Julia is a vibrant part of the Seaholm community.” The team has done a lot of complicated work to make that happen – but everyone at the school is better because of it.
But there’s more.
A month or two ago, Julia was approved for the Children’s Waiver Program for home and community based services funded by Medicaid. The network of assistance it brings will be a game changer for us to help Julia to reach her fullest potential to be a blessing in this world.
To all of my friends of all political stripes, I challenge you:
Help is not a handout.
Worth is not determined by economic output.
Empathy is not a sin.
Nuance is not a dirty word.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t either.
Protection of life may begin at conception, but it doesn’t end at birth.
…and…
The personal journey away from “mine” is the most important one.
That is just a small fraction of what Julia has taught me.