Christine Scheller interviewed us a couple of month’s ago for one of Christianity Today’s online publications Her.meneutics.
It was a tough interview for us because we had to re-hash and re-visit emotions we forgot we had. Reading the article doesn’t help, but Christine is a phenomenal writer and tells the story well.
The name of the article is Saving the Life of a Shaken Baby. Christine interviewed the Charming and Beautiful Susan, me, Aaron, and Charity.
Allie and I have been going for a Saturday morning walk now that my Disney Marathon training is over. The above picture is a view of our building as we walk east over the Blue Heron bridge. Count up two balconies all the way to the left corner (your left) behind the palm trees and that's our apartment there on the third floor.
Under the Blue Heron Bridge is this playground at Phil Foster Park. On Saturdays while Allie swings, a crew of Jehovah's Witnesses muster for an all out assault on people relaxing and spending family time.
This is Allie's class strolling through the animal exhibits at the South Florida Fair. We got to wander around the fairgrounds for a couple of hours Thursday morning before the fair opened.
Allie and a wabbit.
Allie and a wooster.
Here's a helpful list culled from an article I wrote online.
Lekotec Resources provides these helpful tips for making your shopping a win.
1. Multi-sensory appeal
Does the toy respond with lights, sounds, or movement to engage the child? Are there contrasting colors? Does it have a scent? Is there texture?
2. Method of activation
Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? What is the force required to activate? What are the number and complexity of steps required to activate?
3. Places the toy will be used
Will the toy be easy to store? Is there space in the home? Can the toy be used in a variety of positions such as side-lying or on a wheelchair tray?
4. Opportunities for success
Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child's individual style, ability, and pace?
5. Current popularity
Is it a toy that will help the child with disabilities feel like "any other kid?" Does it tie in with other activities like books and art sets that promote other forms of play?
6. Self-expression
Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness, and making choices? Will it give the child experience with a variety of media?
7. Adjustability
Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed, and level of difficulty?
8. Child's individual abilities
Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does it reflect the child's interests and age?
9. Safety and Durability
Does the toy fit with the child's size and strength? Does it have moisture resistance? Is the toy and its parts sized appropriately? Can it be washed and cleaned?
10. Potential for interaction
Will the child be an active participant during use? Will the toy encourage social engagement with others?
Today Allie ran with vets from the Achilles Freedom Team at the Palm Beaches Marathon Festival. Downtown West Palm Beach was crazy with activity as wave after wave of kids grouped by ages ran a race. Ronald McDonald co-officiated the start of the race.
The last wave of kids to line up was Allie's group in their wheel chairs. They ran the race shoulder-to-shoulder with wounded war vets from the Afghanistan, Iraq and Viet Nam wars.
Allie's escort was a salty Viet Nam era Marine with over 26 marathons under his belt. This guy, a war-time amputee, continues to live a heroic life of service. It was our honor to have our little crew escorted by this team of vets.
Below is video of the finish.
The Arc mixed in all the essential ingredients for a perfect Thanksgiving celebration on Tuesday. Family, friends, puppets, and a tasty buffet of food filled every flat surface.
The Kids on the Block puppet show drew a crowd that arranged itself in a semi-circle around a small stage. Forty or fifty of children in wheelchairs and customized walkers, along with their care givers and parents clapped and cheered as performers entertained. The life-sized puppets portray characters just like the children in the audience; they have one-of-a-kind personalities and unique life stories. Some are handicapped, others affected by divorce, and some victims of abuse. And they know how to have fun and get the people around them involved. The excitement was contagious. Children weren't the only ones sporting huge grins. Grown-ups laughed out loud and beamed as they watched their kids join in the fun.
Moms and dads, uncles and grandmas sat together with their kids, connected with old friends and made new ones around a feast of deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and turkey. Gravy pooled in mashed potatoes and green bean casserole was devoured by children who never imagined veggies tasting so good. Blessings were counted and thanks given as care givers and generous benefactors circulated among children and parents extending a warm welcome.
After the meal, children were allowed to pick a gift from a table piled high with toys. The Arc's mission is to improve life for special needs children and adults through education and advocacy. The Thanksgiving event fulfilled the mission with style and pizzazz.
