eSpecially Ben

The container has been dropped.  Demolition starts Sunday.  I can hardly believe it.

Sirs Tom , Mike , Mark , Rodney, Dan , Eddie , Wyatt , Matthew and Brian are all at the top of their field in construction, designing, remodeling and building in the Charlotte and surrounding areas. Early one morning last week, they put aside their own busy lives to discuss a timeline for building an accessible bathroom for Ben. In one hour, they made several decisions: They discussed foundation, dumpster and sub-contractor issues. They volunteered for coordinating the project, framing the structure and donating supplies. Finally,  they chose a start date - March 15, 2015 . WooHOO! A few of these men know our family because Ryan was in construction for a number of years and worked directly with them. Most of them do not know us at all, and when the National Association of Remodeler's Industry of Greater Charlotte (NARI) introduced the idea of building an accessible bathroom for a family in need, they volunteered for the project. There was no arm twisting - they wanted

In December, the ABLE Act was passed. It allows for families to save up to $100,000 in a special account that will not affect Social Security (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. These accounts will take about a year to get up and running. Each state is responsible for setting up their own program. Read these articles for more detailed information: Autism Speaks - 10 Things to Know about ABLE Account Saving for College - The ABLE Act and What it Means Investment News: Meet the ABLE Account NC Legislation

When your kid with special needs does something so unexpected, it makes you remember that the diagnosis delayed development  could mean waiting for skills to emerge, interests to blossom and age appropriate behavior to advance. Even as parents, we tend to forget that our child's brain may develop at a different rate possibly exhibiting growth when least expected. When it does happen, it hits you right in the face, but in a good way. This morning, we were all hanging in our playroom. We were enjoying the space after decluttering the room and donating bags of toys to the local thrift store. Ben was with us and he reached up to a bin full of balls and chose a junior size football, one that we use all the time outside. He took the ball and handed it to Sean. Under my breath, trying not to squeal with excitement, I told Sean to play ball with Ben. Logan and Sean did not understand the significance of this moment. Joining us in the playroom, locating a ball, choosing a ball, getting

Read my post as Guest Blogger on Charlotte Parent's website : Spy Games

We met Mason and his family a few years ago at the orthotics office. We usually meet the best people in waiting rooms! We stayed in touch through the   eSpeciallyBen Facebook Page , and when Ben was ready for a larger tricycle, Mason was a perfect fit for Ben's old one. Mason came over at Christmas time to try it out and since it was a cold day, we stayed inside and he rode it around our house. It was obvious that he loved the bike. He had been quiet at first, but once he was on the bike, it was hard to get him off. He made motor sounds while he was "whizzing" around the house. I was sad to see the bike go because Ben had a lot of good times on it, but knowing that Mason will enjoy his time with the bike made it easier to say good bye. Mason's parents sent these photos of him riding around his own neighborhood. Go Mason Go!

Every time Ben goes to the pool for physical therapy, I am sure he will hit his mouth and rechip his tooth while getting out or while crawling on all fours on the deck. After almost two years, nothing has happened. In fact, at the dentist last week, the doctor and I congratulated ourselves for making it almost two years. Ben chipped his tooth on the school playground about two years ago. We had it repaired and it has lasted without any care to what Ben munches on. Yesterday the weather was cold and soon to be icy so we changed the physical therapy session from the pool to our home. About 15 minutes into the session, the PT yelled in a panicked voice, "Ben chipped his tooth." Sure enough, Ben chipped the same tooth that had been repaired. The fake chip came off when he hit his desk while making a transfer from his desk seat to a regular chair. When I called the dentist to see if I needed to keep the broken bit, he said we had jinxed our luck the other day by talking abou