Alice, Christopher and I had the opportunity tonight to listen to my law school classmate, Steve Young, speak. Steve gave an inspirational talk about the importance of making the most of the opportunities that life presents us rather than complain about what is not going well. Christopher is the epitome of Steve's message. Steve was kind enough to give Christopher a high five and pose for a picture too. Thanks Steve!
When a child like Christopher does not talk, it is often difficult to comprehend what he understands, wants, or needs. This evening, my law firm participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Christopher sat dryly in his chair by his mother and watched all the people poor buckets of water over their heads. One empty bucket ended up in front of Him. He picked it up. Looked at me, and I instinctively understood his thought: "Dad, what about me? Where is my bucket." We try so hard to include Christopher in everything we do, and sometimes make the wrong decision to exclude him. He let me know that I had wrongly denied him the opportunity to participate. Repentant, I filled the bucket part way, and put it in front of him. He promptly picked the bucket up and poored it on himself, and laughed and giggled at the opportunity to participatelike everyone else. Even on an occasion where an activity is occurring to raise money for a disabling disease, disabled Christopher makes it known that he can participate to. Though I am a huge ABILITY advocate, tonight, I needed a reminder to include Christopher too. Perhaps some of you will be encouraged from this experience to make an extra effort to include special children around you in activities that you may have previously determined they cannot do without seeking their opinion. |