And thud back down to earth we go….

Its been a whirlwind week here for all of us.  Monday was met with a visit from the Brantford Police @ Lansdowne.  The boy was not quite sure with the six men in black standing in his therapy room..(though Mom was quite ok with it!!!) but perked up once we got outside and he was able to sit in the cruiser and then the van.  The patient officers let him sit in both and even press the buttons.  He even gave out a few high fives before we left!

Unfortunately it was pouring rain so a bit difficult to get some good pictures, but I did the best I could.

Tuesday was a school day, so off he went on the bus while I ran off to pick up his Angry Birds cake (which he wouldn’t try despite many attempts) that the rest of us ended up enjoying + the neighbours.  He did like looking at it though…

His day at school went well- the teachers had some helium balloons for him and of course I dropped off 3 XL pizzas that helped

Another giant bag of beautifully hand made cards from students from St Basils and also Notre Dame school was sent home with him.

Timothy came home to this:

576 cards and counting….he received bracelets, pictures, stickers and more!  We are so grateful to everyone who took the time to send something and overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone.  I read each and every card and letter.  Timothy’s Daddy and I both cried when we received this one- a very special package all the way from “Down Under” ( you know who you are and we will be in touch) that came with letters addressed  to each of us and some die cast trains.

YOU ALL have amazed me beyond belief.  It was such a great day.

A good friend of mine wrote “you just want them to be able to participate in some simple things in life. I hate the word "normal" but for him to be a normal boy, to celebrate a birthday. To see that he has friends, that people are interested in him. That he matters. That he's important.”  That my friends, hit the nail on the head.  That is/was my goal with all of this and you have helped me to accomplish it.  Guess what?  He now says, “I”m SIX” and has been singing “happy birthday” all morning.  He gets it.  Mission accomplished.

I’ve prepared a short video to summarize our past couple of weeks that I hope you can find time to watch (its about three mins) as a thank you for making Mr Timothy feel important for a day. 

Timothy turns six!

 

Six days till six

Pretty typical morning for us……get the ladies off to school first @ 0800, then prepare Timothy for “work”.   Unfortunately he was in a bit of a mood this morning as Mama wouldn’t let him open and close all the doors at IBI and gave me a few good kicks and whacks.  You just never know what kind of Timothy you will get….

School has been a bit of a chore for him/the staff lately as he has become reacquainted with his old friend the door.  Open, shut, open, shut, open, shut, open and shut.  Any old door will do.  Obviously this is a safety concern, not only for him getting his fingers caught but for him bolting—and yes he will!  I have applied for a service dog but the application process is quite lengthy (isn’t everything though) and the wait one year +.

Some cool things happening around here.  Yesterday we confirmed date/time with the Brantford Police to come by.  All of the guys and gals at the Station have signed a BIG card and will be dropping it off next week, complete with sirens.  Pretty excited and not sure what the boy will think of that!  The Brantford PD called the day Timothy’s article was published in the Expositor (Friday) as they had seen it and wanted to participate.  I won’t lie, was wondering what I did/husband did/kids did before they explained why they were calling

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2014/04/03/keep-the-birthday-cards-coming

And he was also featured in another blog: Happy Soul Project
http://www.happysoulproject.com/2014/04/lets-shock-canada-post-with-amount.html

On the cardstock of 2014, since you asked------- Timothy has received 182 packages and cards!  For your viewing pleasure:

Poor phone is almost out of room!

Folks, I am so touched.  Can’t really explain how I feel about this but its pretty damn good.  I imagine we will have to open in sessions over a few days as the wee boy has a poor attention span but its something I look forward to very much.  A few daycares and classrooms have invited him to visit and we hope to do so very soon.

Teachers, ECE’s and parents I thank you from the bottom of my heart for teaching your children about acceptance.  Its one of the best gifts we can pass down to our children and applies to many situations.

Fundraiser is going well- again, I am overwhelmed with the generosity of my community and help from friends and coworkers.  It has occurred to me recently that I need to pay it forward in some way.  Still thinking on this.

The day is getting away from me so I must sign off this post with a light and happy heart.  The next time you hear from me I will hopefully have a little video to share……from the birthday boy himself!

Trish.

As simple as that

Its April 2, 2014 and World Autism Awareness day.  A usual day for us, Timothy went to work (IBI from 9-3 @ Lansdowne).   On my way to pick him up, I stopped for the mail.  This has become something I look forward to every day as the cards have been trickling in for Timothy’s birthday.  Today, no different.

There were six individual cards and one package from Peekaboo Daycare in Mississauga.  It was stuffed with cards from the kids they work with.  Thirty three individual cards.  Thirty three kids that learned about autism and acceptance.  Thirty three kids that accept my son.  Thirty three kids that maybe like Thomas the train or angry birds too.    I applaud you Stephanie for doing a very important job and teaching these kids about acceptance. 

Thank you.

This is what I’m all about.  Acceptance.  That’s all.  Accept my kid for what he is.    Meet my son everyone.  His name is Timothy.  Timothy is 5 years old.  He likes thomas the train and McDonalds french fries.  He just happens to be AU-some. He’s just a kid who wants to be accepted like anyone else.  More than a diagnosis or label.  This is my Autism awareness.  The life we live every day.

Love Trish.