High Expectations

So much to say about the wonderful lady/family who wrote today's post.  Kate Miceli Lepley and I went to high school together, although we graduated in different years.  We became good friends when she was pregnant with her first child and I was pregnant with Logan.  NOW, Carter (Kate and Barry's son) and Logan go to school together.  Logan adores Carter because he is sooooo "super cool." 

Barry and Sam are also great friends and Barry is a loyal, loyal plunger every year.  Barry is also a nurse anesthetist at GBMC and always helps us out when we have to go there:) 

Barry and Kate are all around awesome people, they truly are.

They also have a beautiful niece, Megan, who has a loss of genetic material on the long arm of chromosome 15.  This is a rare genetic disorder that the docs at Hopkins don't know much about.  So, of COURSE, Katie and Barry have stepped up to be the wonderful Aunt and Uncle that they are, and are helping to raise money for the Miracle for Megan foundation that Kate's brother and sister-in-law started.  The foundation has three goals:

1.       To provide funding for research and equipment for therapeutic centers working with children with genetic disorders.

2.       To provide funding for key neurological research facilities, to increase early detection, identification, treatment, and possible prevention methods for genetic disorders.

3.       To fund a scholarship program for the families who have children with genetic disorders who require assistance in funding medical care and education.

On October 30, 2010 the first annual Miles for Megan 5k and Family Fun Walk will raise money and awareness for people with genetic disorders.   Please, please, please join us at this amazing event!!

http://www.miracle-for-megan.com/events_2.html

 Meanwhile, enjoy the post that Kate has written, it's so insightful!!

Thanks Kate, Barry, Carter and Brooks :)  We love you guys!!!

           

My blog entry is all about expectations. As parents, we are filled with these! Some are realistic, like expecting that your child will be polite, and others, not so much… (Like expecting that they will be polite 100% of the time)! What I would like to write about is the importance of having high (but realistic) expectations for your child. When I think about Logan, and how amazing he is, I also always think about his amazing parents and the role that they have played in helping him to be exactly who he is: a smart, kind, loving and sweet boy! Katie and Sam have always put Logan first, not his diagnosis of Down Syndrome. They shower him with unconditional love and support. They are constantly providing him with opportunities to grow and learn and never miss a chance for Logan to experience all of the joys of being a kid. Through their example, they have helped to teach their family and friends to have high expectations for Logan too, and are helping to change so many people’s views of children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities.

In my work as a teacher / school counselor, I have found that the more you expect of children, the more they rise to the occasion and meet your expectations. Children need adults who believe in them and treat them as if they are capable of achieving whatever they set forth to accomplish.

 “When children are given responsibilities and held to expectations, the message is clearly communicated that they are worthy and capable of being contributing members of the family.' 'For families to create environments that are caring, have high expectations, and have opportunities for participation, they, in turn, must exist in communities which also provide support and opportunities”

 These are not my words but are from a book about resiliency and positive outcomes for children. They resonate with me more than ever now that I am a parent and I often think about this when I am watching my husband let our almost-4-year old use a real hammer or saw. Inside, I am dying thinking about my child losing a finger or two. But my husband always lets our boys try things and help ‘for real’ around the house with odd jobs. To see the looks on their faces when they get to use real tools, or help push the wheelbarrow, is priceless. They are thrilled that their dad thinks of them as big enough and strong enough to help out. These are the kinds of experiences that help to build a child’s sense of self-worth, of importance, and of belonging.

The quote also fits perfectly for Katie and Sam, since they are constantly giving Logan the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer. He plays soccer, goes to preschool, has play dates, and even does a little spokesmodeling, when he has the chance, for the polar bear plunge. Katie and Sam have never put limits on what Logan can do, and for this, he is rising to every occasion! Through their example and their advocacy, I know that they will change many lives, as they have already changed Logan’s!