eSpecially Ben

Lately when pushing Ben in his wheelchair, people I know, say hello to me and not to Ben. And if you are thinking, they might be saying hello to both of us, think again. They are using the words, "Hi Vanessa." And yes, they know Ben's name. It is easy to depersonalize a situation when someone is in a device that is passive, like a stroller or wheelchair. I do believe that if Ben was in his walker, he'd be acknowledged. I have not figured out a diplomatic way to handle this yet, but I will. If you have a suggestion, feel free to send it my way.

 Last year when we were just observers of Sled Hockey , I wrote about how amazing these athletes were - both in skill and their ability to overcome whatever physical challenges faced them. I brought Ryan along this year and he was astounded by what he saw. He went into the experience with doubts about the sport and quality of the athletes, but after a few minutes realized that his misconceptions were based on bad assumptions. I'd say he did not believe me when I came back last year so excited!  Ben had the opportunity this year to get on one of the sleds and slide around with the Big Dogs. Ben is pictured here with one of the US Paralympic Sled Hockey  team members. Ryan made sure this photo happened. Next year, he plans to stage a photo with the whole team surrounding Ben in the goal. Ben spent a lot of time trying to get the helmet off and his fingers were cold after a few tours around the ice. If he hated it, he would have let us know - so I will assume he enjoy

Just because Logan turned down the opportunity to be in our church's Christmas Eve Pageant depicting the Story of Jesus, didn't mean that Ben could not be a part of it. Ben was assigned the role of one of the three Wise Men. The beautiful robe Ben was supposed to wear was off him in less than ten seconds. The crown was a lost cause until we decided to hang it from his walker. We politely asked the people in charge if it was going to be okay if Ben did not wear the costume. They looked at us like we were crazy - of course it did not matter. The show must go on with Ben. With two escorts, Ben made it down the aisle, up the alter and sat calmly for the pastor's reading of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas . Somehow he even wore the crown for this photo (photo below - left corner, sitting with Ryan.) I was a proud mom. Not just of my son, but of my husband who stayed in the limelight with Ben and mostly of my church for its comfortable nature and inclusi