Empowered Parent

When Andrew was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 6 months of age, my range of emotions was vast.  Grief - for him and me and the loss of our hopes and dreams.  Anger - why us, why him?  Guilt - what could I have done differently?   There was also a very strong sense of determination on my part that regardless of what the doctors told me - I would give my baby the best and happiest childhood ever and help him reach his fullest potential above and beyond what the doctors told me. 

Out of sheer love for my child - I began an attack - there's no better word for it - on his diagnosis.  I did research and made milestone charts and graphs on what we needed to accomplish daily to help him reach those ever-looming milestones.  There was lots of stretching and reaching. Hadn't rolled over yet?  Out came that battery operated toy that bounced around to entice Andrew to roll.  Say new words? Out came the apple sauce on his outer lips to get him to move that tongue and of course there was me chattering incessantly and reading aloud to increase his auditory language skills.  He was a happy - giggly baby who didn't mind all of this work - it was a lot of hands on play and more attention and love than any baby could want or need.  We exposed Andrew to as much of the world around him as possible through language, travel, lots of playtime with cousins and friends and lots of one on one play with me. 

It has always been a reach for the stars - dream big type of mentality in our house and I only wish I had the book that I recently found to show me that my feelings were normal, to guide me and to confirm that I was doing the right thing.  "Breakthrough Parenting For Children With Special Needs - Raising The Bar of Expectations" by Judy Winter, 2006, is the book I needed when Andrew was diagnosed and I recomend it for all parents of children with special needs. Judy Winter covers it all; the diagnosis, education/IEPs, family, expectations and advocacy.  In particular, she encourages parents and educators to hold the bar high and to keep it there.  She has loads of tips and resources and ideas for parents.  

This is an empowering book that's relevant through all the ages of a child's life. Judy's blog is also one of my favorites - check it out.  Judy's message and positive and productive mind set about raising a child with a disability is one to learn from and to emulate. We all want the best for our kids and what better gift to give them then to help them reach for the stars? 

When Andrew was little, like all kids, he loved to go to the playground and swing on the swings, climb the monkey bars and build sandcastles. Even with his lack of mobility, he found a way to get around and I was always there to help him through, up, around and on the equipment.  As he got older however, the sand or gravel bottoms that are typical of playgrounds were not wheelchair friendly and as he grew it also became more and more difficult to help him to maneuver playground equipment.

Enter Possibility Playground.  Possibility Playground, located on Lake Michigan at Port Washing Bluff in Upper Lake, is designed for children with special needs as well as parents or grandparents who use wheelchairs and was developed by Sue Mayer, whose son Sam has Down's syndrome, with help from Mardy McGarry, Sam's special education teacher.  This project has been a year and a half in the making and construction is underway right now!  It is being built over the course of five days by community volunteers. They still need volunteers, drinks and various food donations at the site. 

It will be a sunny weekend and if you want to make a difference, give back, get some exercise or if your kids are like Andrew, who wants little kids in chairs to have the opportunity that he did not- head over to Possibility Playground.  Some facts about Possibility Playground:

-  The playground is the size of a football field with a playboard rubber surface and double wide ramping to make it wheelchair accessible.

-  Specific therapeutic aspects of the playground will help children work on coordination, core muscle strength and walking as well as numerous slides, tunnels, high and low monkey bars and rings will keep kids busy for hours.

- A centrally located pirate ship, rock wall and lighthouse will add to the experience.

On Saturday, we will join in and lend a hand to help build this wonderful playground for all- hope to see you there!

Are you overdue for a mammogram?  Make that appointment and do not delay.  A good friend of mine and fellow "book clubber" was diagnosed with *** cancer several weeks ago.  She detected the lump herself and says that "she just knew". She has no family history and she is under 50.   This Friday she will have a masectomy.   

Gail has a strong spirit and a great "get- it- done and bear- it" attitude. She is the trooper who rallies when she has a head cold or the flu whereas I am apt to head right to bed with my Nyquil and a good magazine at the first sniffle.  She has lots of support from family and friends and many of us are already preparing meals for her recovery.  I am putting together a home package; soft fuzzy slippers, the first season of Mad Men dvds, peppermint green tea and lots of good books.

If you are a woman or a man who loves a woman-  check out her new blog to follow along on her journey and make that mammogram appointment now!   

While I am at it - don't forget the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Our book club will all be there to support our friend in her journey.  Hope to see you all there!  

One of the things that I am always on the lookout for are role models for my son - people who have gone after their hopes and dreams regardless of their disability.  Our kids need inspiration and to know that others before them have succeeded with their disability.

Well, here is something for the girls.  Logan Magazine- a monthly periodical for girl's with disabilities who have the same interests many young girls have - stories about other girls like them, fashion and all things trendy.  My favorite part is the Tools for Living section that has the best eye lash curlers, nail polish, staplers and more for people with fine motor impairments.    It is written and edited by a young woman who survived a brain injury at 16 -years -old.  Here is the link to Logan Magazine:  http://www.loganmagazine.com/tools.html

Now, when I find one for the boys - I will let you know!