Blog #145~Hitting Milestones, Moving On
This weekend we had a big milestone. Nick’s brother Hank, graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Communication. Nick is 22 years old and has Down syndrome and autism. He recently reached his own milestone, finishing up the Post-Secondary transition program. Nick now attends an adult day program. He has a full day with activities including on site activities, community trips, vocational jobs (recycling, cleaning both on site and at a local church), and working a food pantry). He keeps busy and is very happy in this new program.
On the way to the NIU campus, we passed by his old high school. I pointed MVHS out to Nick and he instantly replied and signed, “All done”. My niece, Anna, their Grandpa Jim, and I were astonished. Nick recognized that he had been there, done that and had moved on.
Nick at MVHS graduation a few years ago, held at NIU Convocation Center…
The mood in the NIU Convocation Center was festive. Nick swayed back and forth in his seat to the music of the steel drum band jamming in the background. I’ve never heard the Pomp and Circumstance played quite like this. Instead of getting teary eyed as I normally would, it felt more like a delightful celebration.
NIU Steel Drum Band=Awesome!
Nick was very patient and kept quiet through all the speeches. It was a lovely day, and a proud moment for the whole family. Nick’s Dad was full of pride, as he is an alum of NIU and also a marketing major.
Nick looks like he is eyeing an alarm in this picture, doesn’t he? He didn’t pull one on graduation day (whew)! But, he did get another last Friday at his adult day program site.
Current count=36 fire alarm pulls.
At last, both of my sons are done with school and moving onto their adult lives. My wish is for Hank and Nick is for them to feel productive, contribute to society, and be happy in all they do. I am very proud of my guys. It was a good day at sea. That’s what’s in my noggin this week.
~Teresa
Follow Nick:
@Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism
#nickdsautism
@Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 
TJ Congrats on your son’s achievements😉😘 And congrats on a job well done,Mom👏 Joleene
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Thank you I’m a proud mama bear!
Congrats all around!!!!! :)! and just yesterday we were on our way to WeeWuns.
I know, our kids are all grow’d up (as the Rugrats say).