eSpecially Ben

Sean, Ben's youngest brother, helps him steer his new bike. Photography: Joey Haynes

This is our first media coverage for the 2015 Special Olympics Mecklenburg County Spring Games. Our neighbor and friend works for the local station, WSOCTV and was able to list it in the community events: WSOCTV

2013 - 15 spectators clapped. 2014 - A wild audience of 400 cheered. 2015 - ?

Before Rebuilding Together Charlotte's Board Members demolished the deck in less than three hours.  Ben watched as everyone worked. It was like having his very own Bob the Builder episode filmed live.  Logan and Sean helped out. They were both feeling sad about saying goodbye to the deck. The past president of Rebuilding Together reeled them into the work and made them feel a part of the project.  After

The container has been dropped.  Demolition starts Sunday.  I can hardly believe it.

Sirs Tom , Mike , Mark , Rodney, Dan , Eddie , Wyatt , Matthew and Brian are all at the top of their field in construction, designing, remodeling and building in the Charlotte and surrounding areas. Early one morning last week, they put aside their own busy lives to discuss a timeline for building an accessible bathroom for Ben. In one hour, they made several decisions: They discussed foundation, dumpster and sub-contractor issues. They volunteered for coordinating the project, framing the structure and donating supplies. Finally,  they chose a start date - March 15, 2015 . WooHOO! A few of these men know our family because Ryan was in construction for a number of years and worked directly with them. Most of them do not know us at all, and when the National Association of Remodeler's Industry of Greater Charlotte (NARI) introduced the idea of building an accessible bathroom for a family in need, they volunteered for the project. There was no arm twisting - they wanted...

In December, the ABLE Act was passed. It allows for families to save up to $100,000 in a special account that will not affect Social Security (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. These accounts will take about a year to get up and running. Each state is responsible for setting up their own program. Read these articles for more detailed information: Autism Speaks - 10 Things to Know about ABLE Account Saving for College - The ABLE Act and What it Means Investment News: Meet the ABLE Account NC Legislation

When your kid with special needs does something so unexpected, it makes you remember that the diagnosis delayed development  could mean waiting for skills to emerge, interests to blossom and age appropriate behavior to advance. Even as parents, we tend to forget that our child's brain may develop at a different rate possibly exhibiting growth when least expected. When it does happen, it hits you right in the face, but in a good way. This morning, we were all hanging in our playroom. We were enjoying the space after decluttering the room and donating bags of toys to the local thrift store. Ben was with us and he reached up to a bin full of balls and chose a junior size football, one that we use all the time outside. He took the ball and handed it to Sean. Under my breath, trying not to squeal with excitement, I told Sean to play ball with Ben. Logan and Sean did not understand the significance of this moment. Joining us in the playroom, locating a ball, choosing a ball, getting ...