If you have been following our journey, the last time you met KEY, he was working hard on his 3 Rs – reading, writing and arithmetic among other things. You would also remember him is bright-eyed, determined and full of life.
But the KEY you knew, he’s been upgrading. He is twelve now (almost thirteen, according to him 😊) and doing so well in different areas of his development, it’s amazing to watch. Somewhere between therapy sessions and literally growing up, he’s discovered things, among cooking shows being one of his favorites. MasterChef. Food Network. All of it. We have had days where at meal times, he will assume the role of a waiter wearing his apron, a napkin draped on one arm with a notepad and pen in hand to take our orders after walking us through what is available on the menu. You would also agree with me that with great cooking shows come great opinions.
On Sunday 10 May 2026, everyone was having lunch and I came out of my room to sit at the dining table with them (I had eaten earlier). As I sat down, there was a conversation already ongoing, and I realized that today is the day KEY decided it was time to put all those opinions from his favorite food shows to work.
He appointed himself judge. His sister, who cooked the meal, was summoned as the chef. At the encouragement of KEY, she presented her dish. Described the ingredients. Explained the process. KEY listened. Nodded. Made encouraging comments throughout. And then with all the gravitas of a man who has eaten many meals and watched many shows, he delivered his verdict:
‘I enjoyed it. I love spicy food. I give you six over ten’. Watch it for yourself (turn your volume up ☺)
I enjoyed it. I love spicy food. I give you 6 over 10.
Of course, this generated displeasure from his sister and laughter from the rest of us around the dining table.
This and more is who KEY is at almost 13. Not just a boy with Down syndrome. A boy with standards. A scoring system. And the confidence to use both.
12 years ago when we received the diagnosis, a scene like this was impossible for me to think about or even imagine. I focused on taking it one day at a time and doing what I could to ensure he is well and thriving. Showing up at the hospital appointments. Being hands on with his therapies. Actively working with him on expressive language by talking with him and encouraging him to ‘talk’ back. Beginning self-care early and staying on the course with him until he got it…..these were little things that are now paying off beautifully.
To think that this randomly happened on Mother’s Day and I was present with my phone to capture it is all just serendipitous to me. I could not be more proud. Or more entertained.
Tell me, how did this video make you feel? And, if you know of a child or an individual who everyone once doubted, share this. Let them see what is possible….🧡
With a smile on my face (still),
Debbie
Debbie's KEY 