michelle ward

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.

sensory sensitive

Check out this article written by Caitlin Reiss, daughter of Sam's teacher, our friend Maureen:

 

How cool is that?  To see the article CLICK HERE. For a list of theaters offering sensory-friendly showings, visit THIS courtesy of the Autism Society of America.  Bravo!!

Just back from Minnesota where I had a terrific visit with family and friends.  I thank you for all the comments about the Book of Love, and a heartfelt thanks to the participants.  I shared it with my parents and they were just as moved as I was to feel the love you have surrounded us with.  xo

it rocked

 

We are totally buzzing from a terrific day spent with friends out on the deck for the annual birthday party.  It ended up being the BEST weather even though they said it would be otherwise.  Not one single drop.  Even the medium gray clouds were gone before the party started.

Unfortunately I didn't get everyone in the photo but you get the idea.  Here's a cool thing:  all the girls are current buddies who come to help out in Room 10.  All the boys are buddie-alumni, coming back to visit from High School. 

(Of course, one more pose with the you-know-what hands)

This morning....found this....the first for the season....

Thanks for all your good wishes and positive vibes.  *grins*

tomorrow...

Tuesday was Sam's 16th birthday.  Tomorrow we will have the annual party for classmates, teachers, and buddies.  LAST YEAR we were blessed with a glorious day.  The forecast is for rain, but it looks better than they predicted earlier this week (thunder storms, ack!)  It would be great if we could enjoy an afternoon on the deck, so put your positive vibes out will ya?

 

Special party guest:  Miley Cyrus (under glass).  It's so cool that Sam's birthday falls in the month we honor Autism Awareness.  We can take the opportunity to show our apppreciation to all those who touch Sam's life and make his school experience one that he looks forward to every morning with bright eyes and an eagerness to be there, part of a school that embraces his diversity.  This year the take home goodie is a mini-car magnet.....should work on locker doors too don't you think?

 

Also tomorrow:  my father-in-laws birthday, Happy Birthday Phil!  My sister and her husband celebrate twelve years of marriage, Happy Anniversary Shannon and Andy!  And of course one more birthday...don't have time to make him a special message so I'll share the one from last year HERE.

*waves and runs off to continue cleaning*

blank page

I am often asked where I turn for inspiration, or how I learned to do what I do.  I think the most important thing for any person wanting to create is to just get started.  You can read all the books and magazines on a subject and it won't mean anything until you start experimenting on your own.  Pick up the brush, or the pencil, or the whatever, and begin.  Having the impulse to create is a gift.  The way in which you do it will work itself out once you get started.

I saw this young man on the Today show.  I am still thinking about him.  We know art is a channel that lets us express something within ourselves.  His story proves that.  See a video clip HERE.  And visit Seth Chwast at his site HERE.  Thanks Seth, for reminding me how powerful creativity is.

Related news:  This weekend I saw the new Public Service Announcement by VH1's Rock Autism.  I was really moved to see Gene Simmons, Tommy Lee, Robert Plant, Steven Tyler and other rockers supporting Autism.  See HERE, click on 2).  Then I found their True Life series following three young men with diverse manifestations of Autism.  It's compelling and enlightening....and takes about an hour to get through the whole series.  See HERE. 

It's a new year, a blank page.  Put something on it TODAY.

Congratulations to Monica Magness for being the Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 15.   I'll be posting the next Crusade later today.  Need a jumpstart for creativity?  Come play with us on the Street Team!

Overtime

Working overtime is something I KNOW my teachers do.  They put in more than what's required to make Sam's classroom time productive and constructive and appropriate.  Years ago the boys in Room 10 started painting and packaging blank card sets.  Mrs. Reiss's husband even made them table top easels to make is easier.  HCIT?  The cards are sold at school events to make money for various things like flowers to plant in front of the school each Spring.

Here is Sam with Miss Julie and Mrs. Reiss on SATURDAY (can you say overtime?) at our local church xmas craft sale, selling the Room 10 cards.  It's been an annual event for us, and is a terrific 'real world' experience.  Life Skills.  Should be something we all have to learn while in school, don't you think?

Mrs. Reiss was even there on crutches!  Thanks Maureen and Julie for your OVERTIME.  And thanks to Mr. Dave and Miss Brenda too - and all the teachers who go the extra mile for our boys.  Self-contained classroom is hardly the fitting label for OUR class. 

B.E.L.I.E.V.E

This story just came in from the Autism Today newsletter.  Enlightening for parents of all children, teachers too.  I love the message to BELIEVE in your child, whether they have a diagnosis or not.

Jene Aviram develops communication tools for families @ Natural Learning Concepts.

YOUR CHILD IS FASCINATING.  MY CHILD IS FASCINATING.  ALL MY CHILDREN ARE FASCINATING. 

ENCOURAGE....TEACH....INSPIRE....SUPPORT....WITNESS....DELIGHT....BELIEVE!

making headlines

See the news story HERE.  How about that headline?   I swear it was the author's choice, but it couldn't have been cooler!!  If you're here for the first time because of the article, here is the Marineland story:  READ  To order a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul:  Children with Special Needs, click HERE.  As you can imagine, it's a book filled with heartwarming stories.  (Great holiday or teacher gift!)

heads up

An exciting announcement:  Just confirmed, the story I wrote here (and follow-up here) last fall about our visit to Marineland, is going to be published in the new Chicken Soup for the Soul:  Celebrates Children with Special Needs.

One of my readers suggested I send it in, so I did!  Cool?  Yes, very.  It's been edited a bit but they are including a picture, something new to me in these fine books.  THIS is an honor that truly touches me.  The book comes out October 2007.  You can pre-order at Amazon or take advantage of a special through Autism Today:  buy 2 get a 3rd free, HERE.  (Sample stories available there too.)

And in case you missed the tiny clip I caught on my digital camera, look here.  We are heading back to Marineland in one month, can't wait to see our friends again!

Wish upon a Starfish

You've probably heard this one.  The Starfish Story, author unknown:

A man was jogging down the beach after a major storm had just come through the area.  He was dismayed by the huge number of starfish that the storm had washed up on the beach.  He thought there was nothing he could do because of the immense numbers.  As he continued down the beach he saw a woman throw something into the water.  As he got closer, he saw the woman bend over, pick up a starfish and was about to throw it in the water.  The man asked "Why are you doing that?  There are thousands of starfish on this beach.  You can't possibly make a difference." 

The woman looked at the starfish, threw is back into the water and said, "I made a difference to that one didn't I?

One starfish at a time we can make a difference.  As Autism Awareness month draws to a close I wanted to acknowledge all the people who touch Sam's life, making a difference to him, and to our family.  I know his teachers come here on occassion so this will be a surprise to them.  To Maureen, Julie, and Dave, thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm for making Room 10 a success.  You know our boys so well and constantly try to offer them the best in real life experiences in addition to their academics.  Over the years I have had to offer Sam bribes to do certain things and the other day when I took him to the doctor my bribe was he could go back to school.  Now that is cool.  He loves it there.  To Mrs. Gabler, Miss Rosie, Mrs. G, Mrs. B, Mr. O, Mr. C, all the staff at Schor, and especially the buddies, thank you for loving Sam like we do.  It was a proud moment when the Room 10 boys sang the Star Spangled Banner at the school concert.  In my heart I was thinking "Look at these Starfish, what a difference you all have made to embrace diversity.  You applaud them singing on stage tonight, but you also act kind to them in the halls, and make school a place they want to be".  One of many things I'm grateful for.

Several times, for end-of-the-year teacher gifts I have made something with a starfish and enclosed the story above.  You don't have to have a special needs child to see the meaning in it.  Do you have someone who has made a difference in your life?  Share the story, thank them, and then pay-it-forward by making a difference to someone, somewhere, somehow, soon.

what kind of world do you want

I had planned to show you this video as part of Autism Awareness.  It's a song by Five for Fighting, and by viewing this clip the band will donate $.49 with each play to Autism Speaks.  With the tragedy at Virginia Tech it is a fitting song to listen to.....What can one say at a time like this?  Music is always my comfort, so I offer this.  PEACE.

Got a package full of Wishes
A Time machine, a Magic Wand
A Globe made out of Gold

No Instructions or Commandments
Laws of Gravity or
Indecisions to uphold

Printed on the box I see
A.C.M.E.'s Build-a-World-to-be
Take a chance - Grab a piece
Help me to believe it

What kind of world do you want?
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...

Should there be people or peoples
Money, Funny pedestals for Fools who never pay
Raise your Army - Choose your Steeple
Don't be shy, the satellites can look the other way

Lose the Earthquakes - Keep the Faults
Fill the oceans without the salt
Let every Man own his own Hand

What kind of world do you want
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...

Sunlight's on the Bridge
Sunlight's on the Way
Tomorrow's Calling

There's more to this than Love

What Kind of world do you want
What Kind of world do you want

What Kind of world do you want
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece

History Starts Now

(by Five for Fighting)

Score: Perfect 10

We woke up to a sunny day, praise God.  After last year's party with pouring rain, and the forecast of a Nor-easter on the way, we were lucky to have a day of sun.  With the five boys from Room 10, fifteen buddies, six teachers, (3 came with their dogs) and our family, we had a lovely day outside!  Sam hauled in lots of loot and had a terrific day. 

Last year I passed out Autism Awareness bracelets in the goodie bag.  This year I made bracelets with an "X", the Roman Numeral for 10.  Since the boys are from Room 10 I thought it would be a clever way for the buddies to show they are in the clan.  But really, they deserve a "10" for being such cool kids, befriending and encouraging our special boys. 

Happy Birthday Sam!

If you would have called our house yesterday to wish Sam a "Happy Birthday" he would have replied "Why Thank You!", like a little gentleman.  Who knows where that came from but it made many of us smile as he enjoyed his day, especially after Easter brunch was cleared away and it was time for ordering pizza.

Before Graham's sister Sandra and her family left we took them to Rain Forest Cafe on Friday.  A last night out, complete with Volcano dessert ordered for Sam.  This birthday of his started early and will extend a week when we have the classmates and buddies come on Saturday for a party.  So the Volcano comes to the table with the waiters making quite a hoopla and Sam gets all shy.....then later says "You surprised me!"  Such spontaneous commentary, making me smile.  The men were off on the train to the city for a R&R concert and we headed toward Build-a-bear so our niece Molly, age 5 could make a bunny.  I hadn't been there in years since Fallon, now 11, has outgrown the adventure. 

What I didn't expect was that Sam would join in!  A Cat-in-the-Hat lured him in and soon we were at the filling station.  HERE'S THE COOL THING:  This month, for Autism Awareness, you can purchase a purple satin heart, proceeds going to Autism Speaks, to imbed in your animal.  Sam smothered the heart in kisses and buried it in the Cat, and soon was skipping off with his newest beloved.  Thing 1 and Thing 2 were added to the basket and I had one happy camper.  To most people in the mall that night it might have seemed a little odd to see my now 15 year old carrying around his Cat-in-the-Hat, waving a hand saying "happy birthday".  But for us, it was infectious to witness the pure joy in his heart.

I have always found it fitting that April is Autism Awareness month as we celebrate Sam's birthday.  Last year we had a HUGE party at the house with his classmates, teachers, and handfulls of buddies who come to help out in Room 10.  These kids are so awesome and have made it Cool to be Kind - boys and girls who sign up to participate in activities throughout the day with our special boys.  Having the party in April gives me the chance to thank them and to say a word about how cool it is to be in a school that embraces diversity.   Let's hope it doesn't rain this Saturday like last year.  Our home burst at the seams with 30+ guests last year :)

One last word today about Sam-the-Man.  Check him out in a TIE!  His first tie ever!  I never thought he'd actually do it.  I had to warm him up to it for several days.  He still seemed resistant to the idea until it came time to get on the shirt....and he let me do it!  He was so proud as we pulled up to the church to see one of his teachers, Mr. Dave, get married last week.  Look how handsome the Room 10 boys look!  I was so happy, I can't even tell you.

(The Sam-I-Am toy in top picture came from Kohl's, available last xmas, and Cat-in-the-Hat is from Builda-bear.)

Hope Springs.........

She's doing it!

She's making a difference!

Ali is raising awareness, raising funds, and is making a huge donation to Autism Speaks on behalf of those who contribute.

Here's the thing - Kevin Bacon's Six Degrees Network will match her total if she's in the top 6 at the end of March.  He even mentions HER on Ellen today.  (Take a look!) 

HELLO?  She's in the top 3.  BRAVO ALI!!!  Thanks to ALL who have made donations, and those who will.....it's time to solve this puzzle!

I don't know how to make a badge link thingie in my sidebar so you'll have to follow link from here.

Donate:  HERE    

(Photo of Simon Edwards from the 6 Degrees Badge for Autism Speaks, created by Ali Edwards)

EDIT:  Tonight on CNN, Larry King will be hosting Toni Braxton and Bill Cosby to talk about AUTISM. 

EDIT AGAIN:  Autism Speaks Co-founder Suzanne Wright will appear on CNN's "Larry King Live" to discuss autism on Wed., March 21, 2007 at 9 p.m. EDT. Wright will appear along with Bill Cosby and Toni Braxton, the stars of the upcoming Concert for Autism Speaks on April 9 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Braxton was recently named national celebrity spokesperson for Autism Speaks.

See details for the concert, and get more info on Autism Speaks:  HERE

More..........

A reader sent me the link to an NPR interview with Roy Richard Grinker, author of Unstrange Minds:  Remapping the World of Autism.  (Scroll down to Feb 8)  It's a good listen.  My favorite part is around minute 34 where the family visits France.  How cool are they?  If you've been reading my blog, you'll know that's a Marineland moment.  I don't have his book, I'm skipping off to Amazon now to get it. 

When I was first doing research, and reading anything I could find, I stumbled across a book list.  There was a title that stopped me in my tracks.  I never read the book....but the title was enough to adjust my perspective.  WHEN SLOW IS FAST ENOUGH.  Priceless.

What are the chances?

When Sam was officially diagnosed at age 3, almost 12 years ago the stats were 1 in 1000 or more.  More prevalent in boys.  Last year statistics changed and the results clocked in at 1 in 166.  Now they are saying 1 in 150.  But what's a number, really, when it comes to your child?  IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE.  It could be 1 in a bazillion.  The world stops.  It's difficult to hear, even though you knew it was coming.  The process of getting a diagnosis can be long, emotionally draining, and yet you already knew what the outcome might be or wouldn't have sought the help.  We knew there was a difference in Sam before he was six months but I didn't push for assistance until 9 months.  "Come back after 12 months....he may start talking....you're comparing him to Peter, who started everything early....every child is different".  12 months.  18 months.  24 months.  I'll spare you the gorey details.  I can't even bare to think of those days without feeling rage, and sadness, and emptiness, and yet determination.  I can tell you two things - first, the pain never leaves.  If you reflect on the word, AUTISM, you'll do your head in.  You'll sob daily.  It's important to get over it, or maybe I should say, get past it, because you never really get over it.  Second, it gets easier.  REALLY it does.  I wish, I wish, I wish, that when we were new to this unfamiliar territory, that I had met someone like myself, as I am now.  It might have been easier to move forward faster if I could see ahead a few years.  If I could have met someone with autism, like Sam right now. 

I mean, he is the COOLEST kid.  He is absolutely a joy.  BLESSING.  He fascinates me DAILY.  He has mastered language enough to communicate with us.  To have his needs met.  To be conversational to a degree.  To even make jokes.  It amazes me how far we've come.  To think I had to use pictures to talk with him....in conjunction with sign language.  I remember a time when most of his words were echolalic (repeating what you say vs. giving you an answer).  For more than I year I would say "Good Morning Sam" and he would say "Good Morning Sam".  Then I would follow it with "Good Morning Mom" and he would say "Good Morning Mom".  You just were used to it but didn't give up on patterning for him what he should be saying.  Then one morning....he must have been six, I said "Good Morning Sam", and HE SAID "Good Morning Mom".  I fell to my knees.  Fallon, then 3, knew he got it right.  Peter, then 8, fell to Sam's feet and hugged his legs.  It was so unexpected.  Such a miracle.  One of many.  MANY.  We recently discovered Sam has a splinter skill, which means he has a talent that is highly functional.  You've heard of savants?  Rain Man was one.  Well I wouldn't call Sam savant, but he can do calendar calculations.  Give him a year, and a date, and he'll tell you the day.  It could be 1960, or 2010, he'll know it.  Honestly.  Fascinating.  Trying to figure out right now how to take that skill and turn it to an advantage with learning other things.  Miracle. 

My point for today.....since I could really write so much more....is that if you, or someone you know, has recently learned they are a parent of a 1 in 150, it's time to get moving!  Early intervention is crucial.  It's available.  GET PAST THE DIAGNOSIS.  It may even change...you may have gotten mis-labeled.  The important thing is to get help.  If it's behavior, or language delay, pervasive developmental disorder (a catch-all term), or really is autism, TAKE the help you are offered.  Get enrolled in programs.  Don't settle.  Ask for more.  Make it happen.  You can't believe what a pain in the a** I was at the beginning....but I got all kinds of things rolling for our local program that didn't exist.  Ok, I'm getting wordy.  Let me simplify and say:

Be Constructive ~ Be Creative ~  Be Positive  ~  Be Productive

You will hear you have to be your childs advocate.  They aren't kidding.  In some communities they are very tuned in with autism and have different programs that are appropriate.  In some communities you may have to get more involved and get them to adapt or adjust programs to meet your childs needs.  Sadly, in some communities the schools are clueless, and you will have a battle on your hands. 

1 in 150.  That's not such good news.  But Awareness is good.  The fact that the population of children with autism is higher doesn't necessarily mean there are more and more - it's partly because we are getting better at recognizing it.  And recognizing it means that schools need to address and assess their programs to educate our very special kids. 

I'm under no delusion that Sam will be cured.  Honestly, I can't imagine him any other way.  He is what he is - and he brings so much joy to our lives.  I am grateful daily that he has had the best teachers and continues to grow both academically and socially.  I do hope, however, that some day we may be able to prevent more occurances.  And if you have questions, or need to vent, or want to share one of your miracles, write me. 

"Not being able to speak, is the not the same as not having anything to say".

Gifts

It's that time of year.  Parking lots are crazy.  Lists are being made.  Things to prepare, things to purchase, people to remember.  I look back over the year and have many fond memories I want to capture with words to go with the pictures I've taken.  I scroll down this blog and laugh as I continually change the setting so my entry "It's a Wonderful Life" won't fall off the bottom.  Why?  Because I love reading it.  I love re-reading the comments it generated.  I love re-living that moment.  I want to carry in my heart that feeling of pure JOY from the experience itself, followed by the immeasurable gratitude for unexpected gifts, like that day, and those people, who made a difference in our lives. 

Before I let the Sam's Story drop into the archives, I will share this video....grabbed by my digital camera since I didn't have my video camera with me that day.  It's only a snippet, but I know what it is, what it means, and I'm happy for the few seconds I have.....and I've finally posted it to YouTube.  Here is Mike, showing Sam to direct Kiska for a trick, and a small view of Kendra, and Sean's voice.  To them and to Nicholas, THANK YOU.

And while were at it, let's remember Jason.  You probably saw the news clips about him - a young autistic boy who became the basketball hero.  Here is a newscast that shows his story, and how he made a difference to a family with a young son just diagnosed.  I'm sure there are countless more people who were touched in some way by Jason.  I know I was when I first got a call from a friend's husband to report on the story which led me to catch it on the news.  I'll never forget Jason McElwain.....and how cool is this?  The evening after being at Marineland, Sam and I turned on the tv at the hotel and happened to tune into the Kid's Choice awards just as Jason received an honor.  Click here for more. 

"The best things in life aren't things".

This Christmas, remember hope and magic don't have pricetags, they're priceless.  Give an unexpected gift.

Embrace Diversity

Here's a terrific video clip that illustrates how we are all different, yet all special in our own way.  This represents all children, all people.  I think it's an excellent tool for explaining what diversity means.  We can recognize ourselves here, each of us relating to one or more of the animals.  Here's to teachers who 'get it' and help our students realize their potential.   When I need to define what autism means, I think of this clip to help me find the words.

Watch here.  (Click on purple box.)

Making Magic

 

When I wrote the last post I was eager to share the incredible experience we had with our beloved Orcas and our new friends at Marineland - because when you live with Autism, you tend to be prepared with an exit plan in case things aren't working.....but I surely wasn't prepared for what was in store for us that day. Generous souls at work.

Those of you who have visited here, and know my Sam, realize that THIS was indeed a rare, unexpected, and very special event - and are so happy for him, and for me.  Those of you who don't know us, but have shared your heartfelt comments, have widened our circle of friends.  You've moved me and my family. 

MANY THANKS to Ali, who shared my link with her readers.  Like I told her, with a wave a magic wand, and a link on her site, she proved you can MAKE A DIFFERENCE and spread the love.  As many of you said - GIVING of yourself can make such an impact on someone's life just as the trainers did.  Being IN TUNE with people, that's the key.  It is SO COOL that we got to share this story with so many people around this globe - and that all of you GOT IT. Tears of happiness here too. 

I wish I had the time to write back to each and every one of you who read this story and offered your sweet responses on this blog and by email.  Please know we have loved reading them and cherish that you took the time to share in our joy.

Love, Sam's Mom

(EDIT:  Check it out!  Comment #69 is from Nicholas - the young man who set the day in motion.....THANKS NICHOLAS. Big round of applause for you!  Look how many people you touched with your simple gesture of telling Sean, Kendra, and Mike about Sam.  )

It's a Wonderful Life

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!