Sun-Beams is a collection of links to stories, articles, photos, or videos I have come across that I believe will inspire, inform, or encourage you, as well as my favorite photo posted on my other blog, Violet Film, from the past week.
Boy Battling Cerebral Palsy Wins Grand Champion in His Breed – The headline of this story caught my eye. Breed? What breed? Turns out it’s a pig. Just goes to show you that people with CP (and other disabilities) like the same things that typical people do – even typical people who are into things that seem kinda strange to other people. Take a few minutes to watch the video if you can.
On Adopting a Kid With Down Syndrome – She had me in one of the first few sentences: “You want to know what people really think about kids with Down syndrome? Tell someone you’re thinking of getting one.”
Dad Films ’1,000 Miles of Luca’ for Son With Down Syndrome – This story has been making the rounds on lots of media outlets, which is good news for the T21 community. To go straight to the video, go here.
Best Man With Cerebral Palsy Toasts Twin In Unforgettable Speech – I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved watching this video. Those people who say it’s “better for the children” to be without a disabled sibling? Idiots. Here are two brothers who demonstrate that brotherly love trumps disability. (Video embedded below – the article suggests skipping the first 2:50, but don’t – it’s important context).
Photo of the Week:
This one takes a little bit of explaining, both because it probably isn’t obvious why I posted it, and because it hasn’t actually gone up on Violet Film yet. The braces in the photo below are the new ones Sarah Kate got on Friday. Cascade DAFO, who made them (as well as every pair she’s ever had – we have a decade of great experiences with them), offers decorative ribbons for the straps, but the selection doesn’t change much (read: we’ve used all the ones we like – some multiple times), and they go on the small middle strap so they don’t show when she’s wearing shoes, anyway.
Enter Special Needs Mom Crafts. 🙂 We went shopping at Hobby Lobby for a ribbon to put on the top strap, which ultimately served two purposes: (a) make it cuter for Sarah Kate, and (b) help mom not to cringe whenever she sees them – the pink is MUCH brighter than it looks in the photo, I promise!
Here’s the before and after. Whaddayathink?
Oh my word I just sobbed through that entire video. That was awesome. Thanks for sharing.
And wow- go crafty mom! I hate our limited AFO choices and they’re very geared toward young kids. Maybe I’ll be brave and crafty next time to. Or not.
Heather
The designs are geared toward the younger kids – I wonder if it’s because by the time our kids are older we’ve all “been there, done that” and don’t need convincing that the braces are cute?
If you or a friend have a sewing machine and even a little bit of sewing skill, you can knock it in no time. I bought a whole roll of the ribbon so if it gets loose, comes off, or just gets dirty I can take it off and put a new piece on.
Andi, I just love your blog, came by it via Courtney at Pudge and Biggs and have fallen in love with SK and Nathan…thank you for your writing and your sunbeams!