LESSONS FROM PAUL

 by Barb Kocher

Did you know hand mirrors are way cool? Did you know that once you tire (if you ever do) of looking at yourself or the dog or the t.v. or the computer in the mirror, you can lay it flat and make reflections with the light on the ceiling? Or on Mommy’s shirt?

Did you know flashlights fall right behind mirrors in coolness? Did you know that tilting the flashlight changes the shape of the light on the wall? That the closer you are to the wall, the smaller the circle of light is? That if you shine it right in your eyes you see spots when you take it away?

Did you know if you have three lunch plates on the table, and you finish your brother’s and sister’s sandwiches, too, you have three circles with which you can make a shape like Mickey Mouse’s head?

Did you know you can cover the drain in the shower stall and go swimming? Or that a shampoo bottle on its side makes a great boat–especially if the lid is open and it leaves a trail of shampoo behind it like the froth on a wake?

Did you know there is a special spot to stand under the shower head where so few drops fall when they hit you it actually tickles?

Did you know the catsup in packets from McDonald’s tastes a lot better than catsup from a bottle, and any drink tastes better through a straw?

Did you know even kids too young to read memorize their favorite story books, and know the instant Mom or Dad skip ahead a few lines?

Did you know caterpillars tickle when they walk on your arm, and that cool, wet sand feels good between your toes?

Did you know that stuffed animals are meant to keep in a pile in the middle of the floor, like leaves, handy for jumping on?

Did you know sleeping is better when you have somebody to snuggle with?

Did you know it is easy to make people laugh if you do a Tarzan yell and beat your chest all of a sudden on an elevator crowded with serious-looking, quiet individuals?

Did you know picnics, camping, and playgrounds are about as close to heaven as we’ll get on earth?

Did you know hide-and-seek is more fun with older siblings who make noises for you, to help you find them when you’re "it?" Did you know "going on a bear hunt," if done right, can be the talk at dinner for days?

Did you know puddles are the perfect place to bend straight over from the waist and dip the top of your head?

Did you know long straight hair feels nice when you touch it, and painted fingernails feel very smooth?

Did you know if you pray before meals at home, you should pray when you eat out, too, even making the sign of the cross, no matter what other family members might be embarrassed?

Did you know if you stand perfectly still and quiet on an elevator, your stomach does a flip-flop when the elevator starts moving?

Did you know I have Down Syndrome? And that my mom says my big sisters and big brother learned all these things too fast to teach her, too?

I am a good teacher. I am full of life. I am full of laughter. I am full of love. I can teach you, too. Did you know?