Meg C In the post yesterday I was dreading the fact that Linda didn’t have enough money to buy her newspaper today… We had several goes at “Sister, can I ask you a question?” followed by “Oh, no. Sorry, I haven’t got enough money to buy a paper.”. We passed the newsagent as we went out and … Read more
Following the Buried Under Paper episode, I’ve just realised that I’m facing an even bigger crisis tomorrow. We give Linda enough money each week to buy her agreed newspapers and magazines, to pay for various classes or events and to buy a drink and a snack as needed each day with a little left over … Read more
Linda is a Williams Syndrome adult. While she has some intellectual disabilities she possesses many remarkable abilities, including the ability to read. And Linda reads avidly. While being very proud of this skill I’m realising it is also associated with a darker side. Mothers of younger Williams children be warned! Obsessive behaviour comes in many … Read more
I was up first this morning… Linda and Beth had declared their desire to have a restful morning so I let them lie in their beds as I came down and started to mooch around doing Sunday morning stuff. I’d settled down to check emails and updates on Facebook when I heard a voice at … Read more
I'm working away from home for a few days… Linda will be in the safe care of Beth and a succession of care assistants so I know she'll be in good hands but parting is still tough. Linda gives me a hug (one of those Williams 'whole body' sort of hugs) and says she will … Read more
Linda, as an adult with Williams Syndrome, is able to access the services provided for those with learning disabilities in our local area. For 9 months she has been attending a “Cooking with Confidence” class one evening a week and has made many absolutely delicious dishes over that time. Supported by an Agency Assistant she … Read more
I blogged previously about Linda’s lusting after a xylophone she saw while on holiday. Knowing how much people with Williams Syndrome love music and musical instruments this didn’t surprise me. Truth was, the said xylophone was well overpriced and Linda, spending her pocket money on other gifts never got close to buying the instrument. But … Read more
Linda, my sister, is a woman in her 40s. For more than 10 years I have suspected she has Williams Syndrome. Nine months ago a FISH test finally confirmed that Linda has Williams Syndrome. Since then I’ve certainly discussed this with Linda on many occasions. I’ve even tried to explain about a genetic deletion using … Read more
Aboard the ferry on the journey home… The low rumble of the engines alerts me to the fact that we are have left our berth and are under way. The journey home has started. Linda gazes out of a window at the sea… “You should see this!” she exclaims. “We’re moving!” Her excitement is palpable … Read more
Update – 24 hours later: Ah… Much as a multicoloured xylophone is extremely desirable to a musically-minded adult with Williams Syndrome, we haven’t yet mastered delayed gratification. Linda’s concept of the world is one of infinite abundance and to observe her behaviour, she definitely believes she can have her cake and eat it. And why … Read more