blog rewind: it's a wonderful life

As I mentioned, this post is brought you thanks to Seth who is hosting a collaborative event of revisiting old entries.  I chose this post because it stands out as the first time I shared something personal about my family life, and it was most likely the first time I hit double digits in comments.  I really felt a sense of connection and the response I got validated it was ok to share all aspects of life as a wife, parent, daughter, sister, friend, and artist....and that exposing ourselves as real people on our blogs is just as important as expressing ourselves as artists. 

Here it is - probably my wordiest post but this time with bigger photos, and I'm including some related content below the original text (which can be seen with the comments from September 2006 HERE). 

 

Originally posted September 3, 2006

Living with AUTISM is a challenge, but it’s wonderful and rewarding.  Many children with Autism thrive on routine.  They depend on it.  Our son Sam is one of those kids.  He sets his mind on how and when things should happen.  Here’s a story where foiled plans became a dream of a lifetime.

Last year we went to Niagara Falls.  We found out that Marineland, an amusement park with exhibits of many mammals, had Orcas.  Our son Sam has loved Killer Whales since he was about a year old.  I mean, HE LOVES THEM.  The walls in his room are covered in posters, and picture calendars, and we have dozens of Orca toys – plastic, plush, large, small, plus magnets, stickers, pillow cases.  AND did I mention books?  Countless books on whales and dolphins, but mostly Orcas.  Free Willy?  He’s a friend we watch nearly every day.  So off we went to Marineland on Thursday, August 16, 2005.

 

 

 

Once in the park we headed straight for Friendship Cove, home of 4 Orcas.  I can’t tell you how excited we all were to watch Sam’s face as he saw, for the first time in his life, a real Killer Whale.  It was a moment to remember, followed by many more that weekend.  LAST year you could purchase tickets to stand with the trainer to feed and pet an Orca.  Yeah, we all did it – more than once.  After a full day of fun with the family at the park Sam and I returned for a second day – 9 hours just standing at the tanks, watching the whales.  Sam was in heaven.  “Goodbye whales, see you next year”.  From the day we departed Canada Sam started talking about returning on Thursday, August 17, 2006.  If you know a child with Autism, you know that you had to talk about the upcoming trip daily, like 20 times a day.

 

 

 

Fast forward to this past August.  Sam was ready, wearing the same shirt as last year so the whales would recognize him.  His routine was working up until we got to Friendship Cove – no more ticket sales for feeding the whales.  Foiled!  The activity was replaced with a new Splash Show.  Sure, the Splash Show was fantastic, fascinating, but I could see the despair and confusion on my sweet boy’s face.   We stayed for two shows, took lots of photos and video, saw the rest of the park, went on rides, and returned to say good bye to the whales.  Sam and I returned again for a second day.  Didn’t take the video camera as I had enough footage, right?  Bad idea.  So we are there, planted into position as we were last year, to spend the day watching the whales swim around their wide open tanks.  You are literally two feet away from these beautiful mammals.  The Splash Show is every hour and half – so people start filling into the area ten minutes before show time, then disperse twenty minutes later, soaking wet, after the show.  The trainers notice we are there, and still there, and again, still there.  We talk with one of the attendants – he asks Sam about the pile of books he’s carrying.  This young man, Nicholas, bless his heart, cued in that Sam is no ordinary child, and tried to keep him engaged in conversation.  One thing was obvious to Nicholas – Sam ADORES the whales.  THEN, just prior to the next Splash Show, the “host” of the event, Sean, came over to talk with Sam.  I could feel myself leaving my body  - you know that kind of moment you have when something REALLY GOOD is happening and time stands still and you can barely speak and the tears flood down your face.  Sean tells Sam – I could really use a helper for the show.  Do you think you could help me?  WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?  Dear God, THANK YOU.  If I could have felt my legs at that moment I would have dropped to my knees.

 

 

 

The show begins.  Mike and Kendra, the whale trainers, introduce themselves to this hysterical mom, with winks and smiles, KNOWING, knowing.  Sean is at the microphone, introduces Sam Ward from NJ…..and Sam, who has memorized this show, mimics the trainers.  He knew what to do.  He knew the act.  They got such a kick out of it.  Sam was not afraid in the least to be in front of a HUGE crowd.  He directed the whales to do their tricks.  NEVER in my wildest dreams did I ever expect that Sam would have the chance of a lifetime.  All credit goes to Nicholas, who had the insight, and Sean, Mike, and Kendra, who had the hearts, to give this special boy a very special day.  Warm hearted thanks to our Marineland friends.  I know they feel rewarded, because you just get that from our Sam. 

 

 

 

 

Sam stayed behind the barricade with the trainers after the show.  The two whales, mother and daughter, were still floating near the trainer area,  - waiting, watching.  Sam opened his books to show them the Orca pictures.  Page after page.  The whales didn’t swim away.  Sam read to them.  Sam had observed everything they did in their “free time”, and he especially loved when they stuck their tongues out.  So Sam sticks his tongue out at the whales and they mimicked him!  The hour and half between shows flew by and Sam was honorary trainer for one more show. 

 

 

 

Imagine my husband’s reaction when he came to pick us up outside the park at the end of the day!  Thank goodness I had my digital camera and could show him and the kids all the proof that we were the luckiest souls on earth that day.  Of course I wish they had been with us, but if they were, would it have all happened like it did?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  And Thursday, August 16, 2007?  You know where I’ll be!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I uploaded a very short video clip of the event HERE.  In addition to all the heartfelt responses from readers there was a really cool comment that came from Nicholas, who was the catalyst for the dream day.  I also heard from a reader who suggested I send the story to Chicken Soup for the Soul as they had an open call for Special Needs themed tales.  We made it in!!  (with a photo too!)

 

 

 

We went back again to see our friends, the trainers and the whales, at Marineland in 2007 but we haven't been back since.  If I had been on the ball with getting passports we would be going this summer.  They'll be seeing us again, you can be sure of that.  And the memories of our visits will forever reside in our hearts.

 

 

 

Thanks for indulging me in a repost of this story.  To see more revisits by other bloggers check in with Seth.

Comments

[Lindart]

Wonderful story, brought tears to my eyes. Who else would have thought to share books with orcas? He is an amazing boy!

[kim mailhot]

Oh, this one is so very, very good, Michelle. I cried again as I read it ! Life is so full of miracles when we are open to them and believe in them. Those magnificent creatures, those wonderful trainers and Sam...a miracle at Marineland...all witnessed, and then shared by you, proud Mama.
Thanks for sharing it again.
ox ox ox

[Judy N]

Michelle-
I remember this post and am as touched by it now as I was then!

This post came out a couple of months after I started reading your blog. I had been buying your stamps but did not know about your blog until a gal I was in a calendar RR mentioned you were offering a special on your new stamps. I have been reading faithfully ever since.

Yours is my favorite blog!

Until later,
Judy

[Julie Prichard]

What a great story!! Happy to see this repost!

[Carrie]

I always cry when I read this. I just reconnected with a friend who is a special needs teacher and she works mainly with autistic students, and I hope you don't mind if I share this post with her.

[carin.c]

Michelle, I am so glad you reposted this... brought joy to my heart and happy tears to my eyes. I can't even imagine how you felt that day but you must have been bursting every which way. Pure magic!

[Kate Iredale]

What a wonderful story! Thanks so much for sharing this again. I've read that Autistic children have a very real affinity with whales and dolphins and that swimming with dolphins is also a very special experience. (I've done it myself and it's very special for anyone!)

Thanks again...I so enjoyed reading this.

[marie danti]

You write beautifully Michelle! What a great story. I'm so glad it made it in to the Chicken Soup article. It is more than apparent that you are a fantastic Mom.
Your blog has been so successful in combining the full measure of who you are personally as well as artistically. You are so generous in sharing & the response that is returned to you is well deserved.

[JeriAnn]

How wonderful to see this, Michelle! As I read it occurred to me that our society needs to recognize that some people are differently gifted than others and we should cherish that. Sam's rapport with the orcas -- and the trainers' recognition of that -- is treasure to behold.

Thanks so much for breaking your silence and beginning the sharing, which has touched so many of us.

[Linda N]

You don't know me, but I'm a fan of yours. What a wonderful, soulful story.
I visit your blog regularly and always am uplifted and inspired. Thanks
for all that you share.

[Ginny Gaskill]

Tears in a good way. Thank you.

[Hagit]

I will never forget this post. It was so moving, and I think it was one of the first posts I readon your blog. I really enjoy your thoughts and art, and thank you for sharing!

[Cath]

Cried the first time, cried this time. So much connectedness and blessing.
Twenty or more year ago now, my then-husband and I used to look after a preschooler with Autism to give his parents a break, one weekend a month, sometimes two weekends. We moved away eventually; I miss him - although of course he's no toddler any more!

[Linda Warlyn]

I, too will never, ever forget this post. It made all your readers aware you have yet more incredible gifts, that as a mother, that as a writer, and that of your beautiful Sam. It also let us know there are so many kind people in the world, something that's easy to forget sometimes. This post made my day then as it does now all while putting a lump in my throat and (yes, good) tears in my eyes. Thank you so much for reposting. oxox

[Joan Liddle]

This is such a wonderful story! That must have been a magical day for all involved.

[Pam Carriker]

This is so touching Michelle, I came here from Seth's blog. You have a way of expressing yourself that truly touches the soul. We are blessed with the glimpses of your life that you share so readily with us.

[Greta Young]

Oh Michelle, you brought tesars to my eyes. What an amazing story and also what wonderful people at the Marineland!

It must have been amazing to see Sam living his dream....

[Marlynn]

You brought a tear to my eye. I giggled when it came to the "traditions" and the autistic child. Yes, as you know, my nephew has Asperger's and the traditions are essential. He and I have a few between us. However, I told him, after he made me go to the Monster Mile race in Dover, DE, the event would not become a "tradition" - we were both laughing so hard as he drove us home through Delaware and all of the folks were sitting on their lawns and cars waving to the traffic - I told him, "do not stop" "keep driving" "do not make eye contact" - he told me if it didn't become a tradition, he would write a really good chapter in his next book about me, his aunt. I told him to make it good and write away. These children are God's gift to us and remind us of the purest kind of love that is out there. Thank you for sharing and I hope your clan makes it back to the whales next year.

[Robin Orewiler]

I didn't see this the first time around and, wow - it's really amazing. Thanks for sharing again.

[Sam Marshall]

What a wonderful post, thanks for sharing your story. I'm definitely buying Chicken Soup for the Soul, now!

[Jill Zaheer]

Thanks for reposting this poignant and touching story about your son and his magical whale connections. This is the first time reading it and it brought me goosebumps all over. So amazing the difference that one person can make in the world- to one child, his family and those around them- and, then from your posting to so many others. Just beautiful Michelle and your pictures are priceless!

Speaking of one person making a difference- your Barron Storey post coupled with Seth's is what got me over to see the exhibit- what a worth while visit indeed! Thanks for all! Jill

[Dede Warren]

I LOVE THIS!! I think this has got to be the SINGLE best blog post I've ever read. Thanks so much for sharing such a personal part of your lives. No wonder this garnered such warmhearted response from your readers; who doesn't like a feel good story showing the best side of humanity!?

[Carol@Swallowcliffs]

Awesome Michelle!

[Annie]

I finally got back to your blog, and I am so glad I did. This is a beautiful, wonderful story about spirit and how it manifests so much magic. Sam is a love and so are the whales. It made me cry. xoxo

[wanda miller]

thank you for sharing, michele. How very very grand! wanda

[Leanne Hurren]

Loved reading this story. My nephew is 4 and a half and was diagnosed with autism over a year ago. One of the things that has always worried me is how people will treat him as he is 'different' - your post has shown me that there is good in people and that they can appreciate how fantasticly rewarding autistic children can be.
SOunds like you had a fantastic time and thanks for sharing.

[Marylinn Kelly]

Cannot imagine a more perfect selection for Seth's project. To be reminded of the infinite good in the world, the fierce love for one's children, how we as parents become the students as they teach us to discover and honor exactly who they are and the joy we experience when we find that others know and love their unique qualities. Tears and a heart the rejoices in all our blessings, great and small.

[Kimi]

I hadn't read this one before, i'm moved to tears once again. Aren't people wonderful sometimes? xoxo

[inge]

Hello Michelle,

I started reading your blog in 2007 and one day you mentioned that Sam was autistic and in the sidebar I saw the word autism... I clicked on it and then read the moving fairytale of Sam and the whales... I was moved to tears and rereading this post, brought it all up again.

I think this is one of the reasons why there are people like your Sam and my son Aran... to evoke something in people they never would do otherwise and show the world there is a lot of goodness in the world.:)

greets
Inge

[Laurie Waalkes]

I have taken the liberty of directing my local community of parents of special needs children to this poignant, reassuring post. Thanks for spreading joy.

[Kathryn - Collage Diva]

This is so tender and so heartwarming. It reminds me of the goodness and kindness that we have available to us if we are open to it.

{soul hugs}
Kathryn

[Kelli]

What an amazing story to share with everyone and since this is my first time seeing it, I'm really glad you reposted it! I'm such a sap and moments like this make my whole body explode with fuzzy good feelings :o)

[andra]

I think Sam is the luckiest kid in the world to have a mom like you that thinks outside the box, has joy for life and unlimited patience.
Have a great day, Andra

[anne kelly]

I think any mom can relate to this. Unfortunately, I was sitting at the front desk with my staff when I read this. I sat up there with tears rolling down my face and a lump in my throat, unable to stop reading and go back to my office. Thanks for this magical story.

Anne Kelly

[Janine]

Knowing Sam's passion for whales and dolphins, it brought tears to my eyes again..... I wish I had of been there.... it would have been an experience of a lifetime xoxo

[Michelle]

Hi Michelle! What a beautiful story and I am so thrilled Sam was able to have such a fantastic experience at Marineland! My children 8, 5, and 3 have a tradition with their grandparents and 2 cousins where they get to go and spend the day there all together - coincidentally it was just yesterday!

Please if you are ever able to return to visit I would love for you to get in touch with me. I live in Fonthill just outside of Niagara Falls. Perhaps we could arrange something (in addition to Marineland) that Sam would enjoy during your visit.

[Darlene]

Aw, Michelle, you have me crying! This is the first time that I read this wonderful, heart-warming story. Sam deserved every minute of it. Take care!!!

[psp speicherkarte]

Many many thanks for your kind and nice comments.I am happy to see this post. This is such wonderful. I really like this all photos and so enjoy.

[r4 ds]

It is really wonderfull life with playing with dolphin.You photo's with dolphin is so good.Now in summer i sure visite this place and play with dolphin.