Category Archives: News and Events

Throwback Post: I Want Food With Fig Preserves

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**THROWBACK POST**

August 2 2014:

Lovey is sure enjoying her outdoor time! After one week of being a part of Team TLC, she’s settled in good and we’ve gotten to hear all of the cute sounds guinea pigs make. It only took her a few days to start making the “I want food” sound whenever she hears me in the kitchen. She’s got us trained perfectly already!! Lots of love to all y’all today! xoxo

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August 2 2011:

Was just thinkin how much I LOVED my Mammaw’s fig preserves! Mmmmmmmmm!!! They rocked and so did you, Mrs. Elnor Downs!! She was one honest and tough cookie. I’m thinkin of you mammaw!


(Camilla and Elnor Downs – My high school graduation – 1988)

Throwback Post: Inspired and Blessed and Peaceful

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August 2 2016:

Lillian and I had a beautiful walk last night. Walking with Thomas and Lillian inspires me and I’m blessed they feel the same. xoxo

There are times when a swim feels amazing and then there are times like today. Those times when all that exists is you and the water with an indescribably peaceful feeling …. Floating and feeling the water against ones skin. Today has been weird. This was a blessing in the weirdness! xoxo

The 2022 Chromosome 18 Family Conference – San Antonio

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July 6 2022

Got here yesterday, but I was suffering from motion sickness from the landing. Thomas and I are waiting for some lovely vegan food to be delivered. Southern vegan food. Yes! Gimme some of that! We’ll go for a river walk later. (San Antonio Riverwalk)

July 7 2022

We finally got out for a short walk.

July 7 2022

Last night and this morning. The Giggling Duo have been reunited.

July 7 2022

Lillian and I went for a walk this time.

July 8 2022

I finally got photos of this trio!!

Lillian and Macy, the original Giggling Duo.

Lauren joined the duo a few conferences back, to make it a trio. Love this trio!!

July 10 2022

More of the trio. Their friendship makes my eyes sweat with liquid love. Thanks to Amy for taking some of these.

July 10 2022

Last day of conference, and Starfish Dance.

More photos taken throughout the event …

Photos taken by Rick of Positive Exposure …


(Entire Group)


(Siblings)


(18p-)

Photos by Others …


(Parent Panel)


(Volunteer Coordinators)


(Sibling Panel)


(Sibs Night Out)

Throwback Post: I Understood That

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August 3 2011:

Thomas: “I’m understanding some of your words Lillian. Say information.” Lillian says information. Thomas says I understood that. Thomas says, “Say boat.” Lillian says boat. Thomas says I understood that. Lillian says, “You did?” . . . Those who know us, know what I’m talkin about! LOVE it!


(Thomas and Lillian – 2011)

Conquering Fears and Treating Yourself – Lillian Darnell

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June 29 2022

Lillian stepped into a fear this afternoon, being incredibly brave. Go Lillian!! She treated herself to fries, and a visit to a huge furniture/electronics/appliance store for inspiration and reminiscing.

Reminiscing in a furniture store? Sure. During those years I didn’t have the money to spend on our date days, we would come here, spending an hour or two enjoying the nice designs and arrangements, taking lots of photos.

Lillian really likes this lamp in the photo. Very sparkly and shiny!

I Did It! – Celebration Time

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June 25 2022

I just paid off the last of the debt incurred during the 8 years of financial struggling we went through. 🎉🎉 The financial struggles finally came to an end in the beginning of 2020.

I look back at myself during those times, living with heaviness like a storm cloud that never dissipates, with awe and appreciation for how I managed.

It all began in 2006, with a separation, followed by divorce in 2007. Absolutely everything was in my name, as the person I married had poor credit. I had excellent credit. I paid for things as long as I could, using all savings, all retirement money, giving my car back to the bank, until I had to ….

Latest News: Celebrate with a Love Train – I Did It!

Throwback Post: Long Walk with Ears and Laughter While Listening to the Sounds

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August 3 2015:

Thomas and I went for a long walk this morning. In the distance, as we were approaching this fence, these big eyes and ears were watching us. What fun!! We bid Ms. Llama a good day and she continued on her way. HA!!!!

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August 3 2011:

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Had one of THE BEST 10 minutes EVER tonight! Sat outside with Lillian just after the sun had set behind the mountain, listened to the sounds, looked at the lights and the sky and we each tried to see what we could smell. Just beautiful!

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August 3 2009:

Off to Dallas early tomorrow morning. Then to Houston ’til Thursday to have a mini Oaklawn Jr High re-union, back to Dallas on Thursday for the awesome eWn Conf & back home Sunday night. I will have enough fun for all of you!! Thanks Mom & Frank

Throwback Post: Still Sane With a Package of Happiness

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August 4 2012:

My Chromosome 18 Family (and all parents of kids with special needs) will love, appreciate and GET this ….. My Mom, Patty Romano, just said to me, “I don’t know how you are still sane?”

My response, “You think I’m still sane?” Hahahahaha!!! I’m kinda crazy like that … Join em in their World or not … our choice ….

(Here’s a picture of Team TLC receiving our package of Happiness yesterday from the 9 Nanas!!)