Echoing

Yesterday, I shared about the opportunity for Bailey to possibly go live in a group home to learn the fundamentals of independent living. After I posted the blog, I was in a state of reflection. Is it me that isn’t ready? Maybe it is my fear that is blinding the view of the situation. Then he came home from work, and I realized the real issue. He refuses to listen.

We had a hair appointment at 3:30, so I told him once he arrived home, to be ready by 3:10. I also said to wear sweatpants as Mother Nature had decided that it was winter. Spring was the day before with a high of 67 and now it was 25 with a wind chill of 15. She is on crack and as usual, I digress. Anyway, at 3:12, mister adult still was not ready. When he came upstairs at 3:15, he was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. At this point, we didn’t have time for him to change.

“Bailey, what time did I tell you to be up here?”

“3:10.”

“What time is it now?”

“3:15.”

“What did I tell you to wear?”

“Look, Mom. I know what I am doing. Stop talking to me. Geez.” I am lucky he didn’t give me the finger. He does that too. It’s precious.

Isn’t he adorable? Those of you who claim that individuals with Down syndrome are sweet and lovable apparently don’t have the experience of living with them. He is hardheaded, stubborn, and a know-it-all. He inherited those traits from his father. If I am completely honest, I will own the know-it-all component.

In the car, we continue our conversation while Bryce snickers. My eyes hurt from rolling them so much.

“Bailey, you have got to manage your time better. You chose to dance around naked with your music instead of focusing on getting dressed.”

“I wasn’t naked. I had underwear on.”

How does one respond to that? Bryce and I might have laughed. The reality is, that Bailey loves to dance naked before he showers. Nothing anyone really needs to experience, but we all have.

By the time we got to our appointment, I am ready for him to move out of our house. Maybe that is a nudge for us to take this opportunity seriously. Maybe he is ready and it is my fear that is holding him back. God knows that he listens better to other people than he does to me. So, I will gather more information, continue to work with Bailey on his time management skills along with his exhibitionist tendency and see where that takes us. Decisions don’t have to be made today and it took a village to raise him, so maybe it’s time to turn the reins over to someone else. More will be revealed. The only requirement is for me to be open to the possibility. And after yesterday, I am willing.