We don't always get to participate in things that we wish we could. We worry about behavior issues. We worry about stamina. We worry about ability to keep up. But then there are opportunities that allow us to feel like we are included. Like we are just like everyone else. Where Owen can play with kiddos just like him. The Special Olympics has a fantastic program for kiddos from ages of 3-7 called Young Athletes. They started a pilot program for our area 8 weeks ago. We were the lucky ones to know about it and signed up.
It was beyond expectations. I am thankful for people giving their time to make this happen.
Every Monday we made our way to the YMCA to a little back room full of kids just like him. To work on running, to work on kicking, work on taking turns, work on throwing, work on catching, work on jumping. So many skills that we are trying to build. And one of the most important is staying engaged in an activity for longer than 10 minutes. It lasted an hour each time. Sometimes Owen got tired and laid on the floor. Sometimes he got tired and just wanted to sit out for a bit. Sometimes he got distracted from the activity and ran around the room giving everyone high fives. But he wasn't the only one. Everyone else had their moments. And for once we had the opportunity to just let it all happen. To not feel bad that they were blocking the path of someone else, or disrupting the class. It was normal. The kids were the same. It was refreshing.
A few action shots
Circle time. Music, games, fun
Two little trouble makers in action. 2 seconds before this shot, they both had the cones on top of their heads.
They were there every week. Running the program. Helping the kids through each obstacle. Rounding them up. Keeping them engaged. Being patient.
Andrew and Owen. Lifelong friends.
It's so awesome to know those support programs exist! How cool to find "normalcy" in something so basic but to Owen really isn't so basic. I'm happy to see there are places in which you feel comfortable letting Owen (and yourselves) be himself as this is often where true growth occurs. You guys have a beautiful family and are visibly such loving parents! God bless you on your courageous and fantastic journey. - the Opp family
ReplyDeleteI loved your post and your pictures! It was a great program and I hope we see you again soon, maybe the picnic or Miracle League (or a scrap event)! Are you sure you don't want to sign back on to help with the parent group? Suzy Runkel
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