Thursday, March 25, 2010

Wizard of Oz

We're off to see the Wizard... The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Caleb's school did a performance of the Wizard of Oz. Caleb was a "munchkin" I was happy he wasn't crying and sitting down, that is progress for my boy. These kids are truly angels among us, however those that work with these kids are AMMMAZZZING!!!!!! It takes someone truly special to be able to work with these kids and help them realize their true potential. Once again, Nancy, the aide that works with Caleb is heaven sent. She has devoted so much time and energy to help Caleb learn and grow and this year, we will be forever indebted to her.

The video is in the post below, I have had a heck of a time trying to get it together with the explanation, I never managed so this was the best I could do. Enjoy!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Derby

Pinewood Derby time again



They were racing on a 3 car track, in his first race, it was only him and one other boy, it was really close but the other boy won. But Holden was so excited that he came in second!

Race #2 and #3 speak for themselves. He was so happy

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Watch Out World

He's on the move!!!!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

First Haircut

And boy, was it a doozy!!!




My oh so handsome boy


Friday, March 5, 2010

I am....

I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me, I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of -- I see that as well.I am aware of much, whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty by me. I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express myself or my needs as you do.

You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times. I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I do not give you answers to your everyday questions,responses over my well-being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world about me.

I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards -- great strides in development that you can credit yourself; I do not give you understanding as you know it. What I give you is so much more valuable -- I give you instead opportunities. Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine; the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible. I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers. I am the child who cannot talk.

I am the child who cannot walk. The world seems to pass me by. You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. There is much you take for granted. I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, oh I've dropped my fork again. I am dependent on you in these ways. My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune,your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them. I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright,to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. I give you awareness.I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired. I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick,what I do know is infinite joy in simple things. I am not burdened as you are with the strife's and conflicts of a more complicated life. My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child,to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. I give you the gift of simplicity. I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child. I am your teacher. If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. I teach you giving. Most of all I teach you hope and faith. I am the disabled child.

Author Unknown--to me anyway :)