eSpecially Ben

Logan and Sean were part of Ben's cheering section. Today, Ben participated for the first time as an athlete in our county's Special Olympics. For 29 years, these games have been held at a local private school. They shut the school down for three days and the high school students serve as the hosts and buddies for this event. Probably the best thing I saw this year was the athletes running toward the finish line, but slowing down to take in all the cheering from the crowd. These athletes will remember the clapping, yelling and support - reminding us all that the gold, silver and bronze medals hold little next to a roaring crowd that is there just for you. For Ben, the Special Olympics is like Old Home Week . He saw past classmates, teachers, assistants and physical therapists. Every time I turned around he was in the midst of a huge hug. Ben enjoyed the excitement and energy of the event. Emotions run high for me at an event like this. Mostly my tears come from pride

This little guy went from Logan's back to Sean's head to Ben's wheelchair. I panicked when it was on Ben's chair, especially when it kept moving closer to Ben's body. This freeloader would quickly become snack in the hands of Ben. Mysteriously, another one of these lizards on our front porch scurries around without a tail. Logan saved the day with stealth maneuvers. Lizard went on his way to live another day.

I truly think Ben would love to live in water.

Finally they designed a cool looking orthotic shoe. These are made by Keeping Pace - they look great and are super easy to put on over Ben's braces.

Have a beautiful day with your family!

Don't be fooled by the photos, Ben had minimal participation with the eggs and dye. Easily smushed objects and colorful liquids are not put within Ben's reach without maximum support from me. I gave him one opportunity to try it out and he did fine. I wasn't going to push my luck - we were at a friend's home and so far, all had gone well on this playdate. Happy Easter!

When I ordered our tickets for the Charlotte Checkers Hockey game, it was on a whim. Spring Break was coming up, and I wanted to plan something special for the kids. The ticket representative was helpful and generous. He gave us perfect seats - in a section for wheelchairs, close to the ice and goal. We saw a lot of action, and it kept the kids' attention. Although Ben had been to a hockey game when he was one, it was essentially a first time for all of them. During the second period, a guy came up to me and asked if my boys wanted a tour of the team's locker room during the break. Yes they would! (and me too) I don't know how these opportunities fall into our laps time and time again. Whether it is being at the right place at the right time, luck or my kids' very cute looks, I just don't know. We seem to walk into these great experiences more often than not. The kids don't get the importance of it all. They can't appreciate that these are once in a

Check out this story I wrote for Charlotte Parent. In addition to their monthly publication, once a year, they publish a resource guide specifically for children with special needs. This link should get you to the site - Exceptional Child - April 2012 . My story is on page 31. Read my article and then be sure to check out the other ones. The edition has great information about iPads and other communication devices.