The Baby Brother Goes to College

This guy...oh, this guy.  He slays me.  I couldn't be prouder.  Wednesday marked a momentous occasion in his life.  He started college.  I will repeat, my little brother started college.  Those are words I never thought I would say.  I remember when I was in college and he would call and tell me that he wanted to come live with me and go to college too.  It was super sweet, but always made me a little sad.  I never thought he would get to, and it made me die a little inside when he mentioned it.  There are so many times in our lives that this has happened.  I never know what to say, and I hate to think that he might be hurt or disappointed by the limitations imposed on him by nothing other than a simple little extra chromosome.

But lo and behold, the world around us is becoming more and more accepting of people's differences and abilities.  When Will was in high school, he was able to join the ROTC, something that would have been off limits many years ago.  He loved the structure and being a member of a group.  He liked that he was in the military like his grandfather.  It gave him a much needed respite from a bad classroom situation he had to endure until we found a school with a better fit for him. 

Now, he has found a program through Down's Syndrome of Louisville for him to start a three year college program.  This semester is a introduction to the school and college life in general.  Next semester he chooses actual classes and will be integrated with the general student population.  I think this is how it works, I could barely hear my mother when she was explaining it to me.  Maybe she should call me and fill me in (hint, hint, HINT!!!).  Anyway, so Will started college.  And I am officially feeling older than dirt.  But more proud and excited for his future than ever.  Because that kid guy, he's one smart cookie.  He just needs a way to develop it.  I'm so excited for this endeavor and thankful that our world is coming a little further each day in regards to accepting, challenging, loving and educating those with special needs.  

{By the way, he has decided to become a doctor.  Last week it was a greeter at Pet Smart.  Sounds like a college student to me!  I wonder how many times he'll switch majors.}