eSpecially Ben

Logan, age 4 1/2        Everyone started with a color wheel in art class at school. Then they were told to make something with the color wheel included in the picture. And the brown square on the clown's leg...a cast. The clown has a fake broken leg. Check out other works of art at www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com .

I came across this and thought what a wonderful mom to think of this for her son - and such an easy way for someone to give support to this boy. If you are so inclined, get out your construction paper, glue and crayons and get writing!

I attended the Be the Bridge Rally last Friday. Be the Bridge is a new organization made up of at least 55 city and county agencies that work with people with mental illness, developmental delays or substance abuse issues. The group's mission is to promote awareness and find creative ways for the public to help, especially in times of budget cuts that can have a devastating impact on this group of people. Not really knowing what to expect at this rally, I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout of people, the excitement of the crowd and the participation from adults with special needs. Everyone waved their hammers each time a speaker said the word, "bridge." Attendees made posters and signs to get people's attention The speakers were motivational, either telling of personal survival or promising support through political and community avenues. The County Commissioner tried a risky move and sang a few lines from a "A Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Check out other photos at  www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com

A few weeks ago I wrote about  the AMBUCS proposal with the Pepsi Refresh Program . I was asking you to vote for their $50,000 grant to give therapeutic Amtrykes to 100 children with disabilities. In my excitement and enthusiasm, I thought Ben was on that list of 100. He was actually 340th on the list. This information filtered down to Ben's Aunt Olivia, my sister. As a surprise, she and her family donated the tricycle for Ben. It came last week and the photos are from his first day riding on it. Clearly, he is enjoying himself. In those first moments as Ben sat on his tryke, I kept imagining the 100 children who were about to receive theirs from the grant through Pepsi Refresh. For the past several months, Ben has been in a baby stroller or Convaid wheelchair for any type of travel or outings. I am sure other parents and families make do with what they can, and it truly is an exciting moment to see your child receive something that will make him more independent, more mobil

Ben, Age 6 1/2 With spring all around us, these works of art were a little too close to home for me! Check out other artists' work at www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com .

Border's is sponsoring Summer Reading Double-Dog Dare . If you are under 12 years old, read 10 books this summer, bring in your list and choose a free book from an assortment of titles. We have three lists going for our boys - each one will be able to choose a book to add to their collection. Happy reading!