The Distinction Between Brokenness and Limitations
When Penny was young, I was wrestling with questions like, “What does it mean to be human?” And a friend of mine said, “You know, brokenness and limitations are not…
Penny in Her Own Words: Graduation and the Future
Penny is a high school graduate! Here are her reflections on graduation day and the future: I can’t really believe you have finished your final year of high school! How…
Humanity, Belonging, and “An Ordinary Future”
Penny’s school reached out months ago to make sure they could special order both a robe and a cap that would fit her well—an example of belonging. How do we…
25 Years of Marriage
Twenty-five years ago today, Peter and I stood in a big white church in front of over 200 people. We vowed to have and to hold one another, to love…
S7 E18 | Exploring the Good Life with Meghan Sullivan, Ph.D.
Apple YouTube Spotify More! What does it mean to live a good life? How do we find meaning and happiness in our everyday lives? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker…
Penny’s Final Dance Recital
I never ever imagined Penny would dance for twelve years. I knew dance was a good activity for her as a little kid with Down syndrome. It rewarded repetition. It…
A Deformed Imagination
When it comes to disability, most westerners have a deformed imagination. I am one of these westerners, although having a daughter with Down syndrome has begun to reshape my imagination…
Why Belonging Matters
I’ve been thinking about the difference between inclusion and belonging. These thoughts have mostly been prompted by all the end-of-high school events for our daughter Penny, who has Down syndrome.…
Penny in Her Own Words: Senior Project Presentation
Intellectual disability does not need to prevent young adults from learning. With support, encouragement, and room to make mistakes and grow from them, students like our daughter Penny, who has…
Penny in Her Own Words: Senior Prom
We’ve been talking about senior prom all year long, and I wasn’t sure whether the event itself would be a letdown after so much anticipation. But here’s what Penny, our…
