As Merle and I celebrate another Valentine’s Day together, we can’t help but reminisce on our decades long marriage, our love, and most importantly, our children. Christina is living her best life in New York City and Catherine is still our resident firecracker at the ripe old age of eighteen. Our family life is pretty […]
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Summer camp is one of the rights of passage for every child. To ensure the best experience, your camper will need the proper essentials. I checked in with Angela O’Brien of The Especially Organized Podcast on the must-haves for their next quest. Get your camper ready! Camp can be a huge unknown, especially if this […]
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“I want her here” were the last audible words I heard from my father as he told my younger sister he wanted me to come home. I was on the other end of the phone telling him, “I’ll be home soon, in a few short days.” Less than 24 hours later, my older sister called to tell […]
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“Just take any step, whether small or large. And then another and repeat day after day. It may take months, maybe years, but the path to success will become clear” – Aaron Ross Transitions occur in every person’s life. For the special needs population, a transition can be especially stressful and may require additional planning […]
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If you’re a regular visitor to Beyond The Waiting Room, then you know that October is a very special month for the Flakes family. We support and celebrate Catherine all year-round, but Down Syndrome Awareness Month gives the Down syndrome community a chance to take it to the next level. This month is all about […]
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There is a crisp in the air and the signs of fall are all around us. Leaves change colors, the temperature drops, and we’re finally in sweater weather. There is so much fun out there. We want to share a few of Catherine’s fun activities to consider for this fall season. Lillian 1. Carve or […]
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It’s fall and our kiddos are fully engaged in the new school year. Every school year begins with a new set of kicks, school supplies and clothing. Catherine added a new backpack to her list! On her recent visit to grandparents this summer, we visited the local Vera Bradley shop where she found a bright, […]
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Suicide Prevention Week occurs in September and Catherine’s school focused on expanding the awareness of this dreadful experience for many families. One day focused on Construction with a theme to “work together to build up our mental health.” According to the Mayo Clinic, “Many teens who attempt or die by suicide have a mental health […]
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Did you know that March 21 was chosen for World Down Syndrome Day because 3/21 symbolizes the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome? My family and I are inspired by Catherine on a daily basis, but having a day with global awareness that honors her and her Down syndrome peers is extremely important. This year […]
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This past weekend marked the beginning of Spring. It’s a time of change, growth and new beginnings. I personally love turning over to not just a new season, but a new month and week. My most favorite is turning over to a new day. This gives an incremental opportunity to renew my mind and face […]
