Many, many thanks to "Where Hope Grows" for sharing this story from "The Mighty" on their Facebook page. How My Son with Down Syndrome Fixed a Hotel Problem I Couldn't

How My Son with Down Syndrome Fixed a Hotel Problem I couldn't

In our house, we are big fans of Where Hope Grows

If you have not seen this movie, you have missed a blessing. It's available here:

Where Hope Grows

and here: 

Where Hope Grows

Word is, you can also find it on Barnes and Noble, and at Target, Best Buy, and a host of other locations. 

Now. Let's talk about The Mighty on Facebook. This is where you can get your daily cup of inspiration. Stories written by people just like me. People who face everyday challenges.

What do I love about the The Mighty? Well, just about everything. I love that it's a bright spot in an often too dark world. If you are looking for a pick-me-up, here you go. While you are at it, why not share it with your friends, and pick them up too?

An official shout out to The Mighty ...  What you do matters more than you will ever know. Thanks, thanks, thanks, from Life With Charley

A Christmas Stocking for Charley

Charley, the day we brought him home

Hand knitted by Mom

December 14, 1990, Brad and I and headed to Texas. We came back as a family. Two short weeks later we headed to Louisville, KY to introduce the family to our new life.

Who would have thought that a tiny baby boy would change the lives of so many?  

There’s a mystery to Down syndrome. There’s no textbook that can tell you how to do it. It’s a learning curve, and those of us who sign up (or are blessed through the miracle of childbirth) quickly find out it’s a gift that holds surprises for even the most seasoned parent -- one we continue to unwrap every day.

Now, twenty-five years later, I’d like to share that gift with you. 

The following is an excerpt from Life with Charley: A Memoir of Down Syndrome Adoption "A Christmas Stocking for Charley,” is the first chapter of our lives as an adoptive family. My publisher, Zharmae Publishing Press, has made it possible to share the first two chapters of my book with you.

Just scroll down and find “A Christmas Stocking for Charley.” 

Here’s the link: First Readz First

Its become tradition that I post this story every year, in honor of Charley, and Mom. If you’ve read it, then thank you. If you haven’t, then thanks for taking the time. Please pass it on and spread the CharleyLove!

Merry Christmas, and blessings, from Life with Charley!

Charley and his Grammy

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Sherry Palmer is the author of Life With Charley: A Memoir of Down Syndrome Adoption

Please visit Charley on his Facebook page at: Life with Charley - and Down Syndrome

Please visit us on Facebook!

Please, if you haven't already, visit Charley on Facebook:
Here's the link: Life With Charley - And Down Syndome

Thanks! See you in the ChromoZone!

#WorldDownSyndromeDay #Adoption #WDSD #SpecialNeedsAdoption #SpecialNeedsParenting

Twinese King

 Ming and King of the Twinese

There should be some reward for going to the Doctor's office.

First reward: No Thomas Center. 

In CharleyVerbiage, this stands for Sertoma Center. Not that he doesn't like the Sertoma Center, it's just that he likes the idea of not liking it. After all, what fun is it if you get to get out of something you like?

Reward number two: Van ride.

Usually Brad has the van. But when we take a road trip to the Dr. office which is located in Vonore, it takes us a little over an hour, so we take the better wheels. My car is fine, but it doesn't have the bells and whistles. For example, the doors don't slide open and shut by pushing a button. The trunk is a trunk, not a hatch, that opens and closes when you push a button. And let's face it, buttons rule.

Reward number three: CD King.

The first half hour of the trip is spent with Amy Grant. And me. Singing at the top of my lungs. No, I can't sing like her. No, I don't care. No, I don't feel sorry for anyone who puts their hands over their ears while I'm crooning. Unfortunately, there comes a time when even Amy Grant takes a back seat to High School Musical. 

And since I'm driving that means someone else is in charge of the CD player, and according to Sir Charles of Palmer, that makes him King. High School Musical it is. Then Lion King (we'll keep that one), Tarzan (yep, that too), Cher (Believe), and of course, Annie (The original Soundtrack), and our all time favorite, Grease. He sings the Danny part. I sing the Sandy part.

"Mom, you sing-a-ling," he says.

I think he means ding-a-ling.

Once we've been through each and every favorite song on these CDs, we start all over again, minus Amy Grant, which I've packed back in it's jewel case and tucked back into my purse to keep sticky fingers from giving it a new home in the black hole of his bedroom, never to be seen from again.

Reward number three: Breakfast

On the run, of course. Because what fun is a road trip without coffee and hash brown crumbs all over your new jeans?

Reward number four: Lunch

After the better part of an hour arguing that No, we are NOT eating at that Chinese Restaurant he just can't get enough of. The conversation goes something like this:

Him: I hungry, Mom.

Me: You Just ate.

Him: I starving here.

Me: Where would you like to go? (Big mistake) 

Him: Twinese

Me: We are NOT going to that Chinese restaurant and you know it. The food is loaded with carbs.

Him: Yes I are.

Me: Let's go get a salad.

Him: Twinese.

Me: No way.

Him: Yes way.

Long pause.

Me: Who died and left you King?

Him: Twinese King.  That's me.

And so it goes. All the way from Vonore, through Maryville, the outskirts of Knoxville, down Merchants Rd., onto Broadway, through Fountain City, and into Halls. Salads everywhere. Panera to the left, Friday afternoon, no Sertoma, no Work, and here I am, stuck in the van with this dude.

In his defense though, there's a reason he likes this restaurant. First, he can eat as many plates of chinese "spaghetti" as he wants. Second, the owner, "Ming," calls Charley by name. "Cha-lee." They have become friends. And I must say, it is fun watching Ming and Charley banter back and forth. Charley will be eating, and Ming comes along and says something to him in Chinese. Then Charley tries to repeat it. "Chakalaka laka aka aha!" While some may think Charley is poking fun at the Chinese culture, I assure you, every time he attempts to speak Chinese it's a term of endearment. 

And why not? People with Down syndrome are the epitomy of grace. Charley is a grace-filled man who believes in acceptance. No matter who, no matter what. 

Ming gets this. He accepts Charley too. It's a wonderful thing to watch when two people from different walks of life open their hearts with no expectations. 

Still, there are these things called Sesame Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, General Tsaos chicken, Soy sauce, and those cute little sugary donuts. Yum, Yum. And of course, Ming, who places himself beside Charley's already overloaded plate to say,  "Mo skettie coming, Cha-lee."

So little time, so much Twinese!

But that is then. And this is today. I'm behind the wheel, which means when it comes to restaurant selection, Mom rules.

I tell him NO. For the last time, NO. We are NOT doing Chinese.

He reaches into my purse, takes out the CD case, pops Amy Grant into the CD player, and turns up the volume.

"Sing, Mom."

And just like that, it's Good bye Lion King, hello Sing-a-ling. 

And, Ming. 

If I dare say, that's using the old Ramen Noodle.

Ming lights candles on Charley's birthday cake for his 25th birthday on Sept. 29th

Getting ready to blow out the candles

Happy 50th Birthday, Chris Burke!

Dear Chris,

I would like to add to Mardra Sikora’s brilliant Open Letter of Gratitude and Well Wishes to Actor Chris Burke regarding your birthday. From my heart, I wish to add the following…

From Life With Charley: A Memoir of Down Syndrome Adoption:

“We had been married for six years, during which headlines included such historical events as the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster, the release of Nelson Mandela after twenty-seven years in captivity, and the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi troops, setting off the Persian Gulf War. 

Life Goes On was on primetime television, starring Chris Burke as Charles Thatcher, a teenager with Down syndrome. And somewhere in Texas was a Desert Storm baby in a foster home. He was soon to be ours. We would name him “Charles” in honor of “Corky,” Chris Burke’s character.”

Then

And so it was. Twenty-five years ago a two month old baby became the center of our world.

And in the midst of it all, there you were. Charley was too little to watch you, but we sure did. He had no idea that there was a teenager named Chris Burke, who was changing the perception of people with Down syndrome. 

Week after week we tuned in to see what “Corky” would do next. We laughed, and sometimes we cried. We watched as your television family paved the way for acceptance, showing us what family is all about.

I remember thinking what a brave person you were, memorizing all those lines, and what an achievement that was. We have no way of knowing how many times you had to redo the screen takes, but we assumed you had to redo your share, just like the other cast members, in their attempts to get it right. At times it seemed as if it was difficult for you to get the words out. And yet, you never gave up. Perseverance. 

For parents of children with Down syndrome, you did more than just step in front of a camera each week. You gave us hope. Made us see the possibilities. Encouraged us to dream. 

Chris, there is a reason we named Charley after you. We wanted to thank you for all you have done for people like our Charley, living with Down syndrome. For being the pioneer  for others who now enjoy a countless successes because of you. For letting the world know that an extra chromosome only adds to who you are, and that quality of life is a choice. For opening the door for those who might not have had a chance, and educating the world that Down syndrome is not something to pity, but to celebrate.

Because of you, Chris, the “Corky’s” of this world enjoy a freedom of self and all the joy that comes with being happy with who you are.

On August 26th, you will celebrate your 50th birthday. We want you to know, Chris, that you have a world full of friends who will be celebrating with you.

Celebrating the 50 years you have spent opening the world to our kids. And Chris, we want you to know that when we look at our Charley, we see a bit of you. 

Thank you Chris, and happy birthday!

With great regard and love,

Sherry Palmer

 Chris, meet Charley, your namesake!

Now

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Sherry Palmer is the author of: Life With Charley: A Memoir of Down Syndrome Adoption

Follow Charley Palmer on Facebook at: Life With Charley - And Down Syndrome 

and also Charley’s blog at: Life With Charley