eSpecially Ben

Kickstand Burgers, Charlotte, NC Summer is here and we have been busy. Ben has been in the pool more times than I can count. Logan and Sean have already been to camp, and we all went on a short vacation over Memorial Day. I have been writing regularly for an online site, CharlotteFive . I have been fortunate to grab a few other writing assignments here and there. It has been tremendous fun, but it has kept me busy. I have not been able to post here as often as I would like. Here are few quick photos to relieve me of the guilt I feel for not posting regularly: Pool Time Lake Junaluska, NC NASCAR LiftMaster Pole Night, Concord, NC Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Gastonia, NC Lake Junaluska, NC Cataloochee, NC Duck Island, NC

Yesterday morning, I received a text with photos from one of the assistant teachers in Ben's 6th grade class: Randolph Middle School students had lined the walkway into school and the hallways as the Special Olympic athletes paraded through the crowd of students. (I tear up even now as I write this.) The athletes and their peer buddies. Bulletin board to show support of their classmates.

Special Olympic Mecklenburg County Opening Ceremonies were today. My sister and her family are visiting from New York. This was their first time at the Special Olympics.  It took awhile for Ben to realize we were all there, but as soon as he did, he was excited to see everyone.  And tomorrow Ben competes in the softball throw. 

This is a photo of Ben after he met a new friend today. Ben giggled the entire time he was with his new friend. We were connected with the "Z" family a few months ago when we were donating a piece of equipment. A school physical therapist connected us, but we only met the dad that first time. He mentioned that their son seemed similar to Ben. We finally met today at a local park and Ben and "D" were strangely similar in their abilities, habits and history. Ben was in love with the whole family, including their dog. Ben was interested in D and tried to interact with him. It was fun to watch Ben "make a friend." I see us spending more time with them - Ben's judgment of people is usually spot-on.

Charlotte Parent posted this story: An Interview with TEACCH's Dr. Gary Mesibov

This just came out in Charlotte Parent, Piedmont Parent and Carolina Parent: Clinical vs Home Therapy: What is best for my child