Photo credit goes to Angus Lamond , the photographer on the Ace & TJ's Grin Kids Trip 2011 20 families were invited this year on the Ace & TJ's Grin Kids Trip 2011. Families were from North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama and Tennessee. We did not know each other before we started on our journey, but by the end of the 5 days in Disney, many connections and friendships were formed. Although we did not stay together as a group all day, everyday - it would be impossible with over 100 people - it was great to see another family on a ride or share a spot on the parade route. Our common denominator, raising a child with special needs, was a good conversation starter, and lead us to other topics, like our work, family life and outside interests. It was a relief when, as a group on the plane, bus or restaurant, and Ben was yelling or making loud noises, that not one person was looking at us in a way that said, "Could you please quiet that child?" We were al
These stories describe our journey with Ben, our oldest son. Ben is a sweet and energetic redhead, born with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic mutation. My husband, Ryan, and I try to keep up with Ben and his two younger brothers. I intend to shed insight into raising a child with disabilities and pass on the wisdom we’ve earned over the past two decades.