eSpecially Ben

Last October, I applied for Ben to be accepted to the Grin Kids Disney World trip, sponsored by Grin Kids, a non-profit organization, coordinated through Ace & TJ , a morning radio show in Charlotte. The organization’s name comes from the hosts’ favorite saying, “You Grin, You’re In.” Since 2000, Grin Kids has raised money each year to fund the children and their families who are accepted to go to Disney World. Their fund raising events include a "2nd Chance Prom", golf tournament, raffles and other events throughout the year. Ace is a member of the band, Charity Case, and all their profits go to the Grin Kids organization. The children who are selected are terminally ill or are chronically handicapped and are between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. If you have the time, take a look at the websites for Grin Kids and the band, Charity Case. Both sites tell stories about amazing human beings who have taken on this mission in life to help children and families take a

Not only did I run my first trail race today, I saved a life. The same type of turtle pictured above was crossing the street on the way into the US National Whitewater Center . Traffic was fairly heavy at 7:30am on a Saturday because of the race. The turtle's head, legs and arms were completely withdrawn into its shell so it really looked like a rock in the road. I passed it at first, then realized what it was. I hesitated, then thought of my boys and how we saved another turtle once while driving to the park and how they still talk about the experience. I did a U-turn, scooped up the turtle and placed him in the grass, far from the road. Hopefully, he was able to get his bearings after that frightening experience. Back to the race - so different than the road races I have been running. Less people running, but most participants were athletic. On a road race, there may be people who will walk and run the race. This was strictly a running race. Luckily, before the race started, a

On our last visit to NY, we stayed at my Dad's house. Ben was able to have his own bedroom on the second floor. We quickly realized that Ben could open the door and crawl out. Not being totally adept at climbing down stairs, this was not a great situation. We set up wood in front of the door so at least the noise of the wood falling would wake someone up, and we would rescue Ben before he would get to the stairs. One of the nights, I went out with a high school friend. When I came home, all three kids were sleeping. Nona and Grandpa had laid down the law, gently, and everyone went to bed without question. My father was especially proud of himself because he devised a fail safe method to keep Ben in the bedroom. He wedged 4 large and heavy RubberMaid containers (2x2) in the doorway of Ben's room. The door to the room was open but the containers blocked the way out. Before seeing this system, I told my father I had my doubts - Ben has a way of getting around things. Once I sa

 Ben is sitting here with his brother and two cousins. The cousins visit this week from New York - exciting times!

My Dad has always been a special person to me. He taught me how to throw a football, ride a bike and play Parcheesi and Monopoly. He was the Dad on the block who played hide-n-seek, kickball and woofle ball with all the neighborhood kids. He may never admit it, but he played Barbie dolls with me too. I have lived 12 hours away by car for a long time now and we have maintained our relationship through visits and lots of phone calls. Although he is great on the computer, he refuses to send an email. He'd rather pick up the phone. When I started my blog, he became one of my biggest supporters, calling me to tell me how much he enjoyed reading my entries. Without being asked, he has helped our family emotionally, financially and physically. He understands the extra struggles we face daily and tries to help lessen the burden in ways that he can. My Dad adjusted his role from grandparent to a typical child to one who has special needs. A visit with Grandpa means working on gross mot

This is my husband's work of art and stress reliever - a garden full of sunflowers, corn, watermelon, squash, zucchini, jalapeno peppers, banana peppers, green peppers, okra, cucumbers and a renegade pumpkin. See other works of art at www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com

Over the past seven years, we have had so many wonderful therapists, caregivers, teachers and friends enter our lives because of Ben. Desiree is one of Ben's physical therapists, and she is leaving her position next month. Her husband was offered a job opportunity in another state where they happen to also own a home. Desiree  is a straight shooter who cares about her clients intently. She has helped us make decisions about walkers and tricycles. She introduced Ben to the TAOS . Desiree works Ben hard each time, but always in a caring and safe manner. Saying good bye in this day and age is not as it once was. Desiree won't ride into the sunset never to be heard from again. We have Facebook, Twitter and blogs - we can stay in one another's lives, if even peripherally. The people who have helped Ben along the way are almost like his own milestones. They take him part of the way on his journey and then leave him in the care of another.