Our Family Journey

Join us as we share our family’s journey—the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected joys we’ve discovered while raising our daughter with Down syndrome and autism. This essential guide isn’t about having all the answers, but about the wisdom we’ve gathered along the way. From navigating early diagnoses to creating meaningful opportunities after high school, our story reflects the beautiful vista of possibilities that opens up when you chart your own path beyond traditional expectations.

The journey of raising a child with Down syndrome rarely follows a straight, well-marked path. Like this open road, our family’s story has been about navigating uncharted territory—facing unexpected turns, discovering breathtaking vistas, and creating our own map when traditional routes didn’t lead where we needed to go. From Erica’s early years to founding Romalite Candles, we’ve learned that the most meaningful journeys often happen when you’re brave enough to travel beyond the familiar highways of expectation.

As the spring sunlight illuminates graduation photos, a special needs family confronts the daunting “what next?” question. This guide shares five crucial questions families should ask before graduation day, exploring alternatives beyond traditional programs and focusing on strengths rather than limitations. Join our journey with Down syndrome and autism as we transform cliff-edge uncertainty into a bridge toward possibility and purpose-driven opportunities.