Can you help my friend?

"Me too"

The most powerful words ever spoken. Knowing we're not alone in something is by far the most comforting feeling. Those two words are like a huge, tight hug. It's important to share our stories and experiences with the world so we can be comforted by those who have paved the way before us, but also to be there for those who are going to travel down the same path in the future. 

So, I'm putting out this plea. A beautiful friend of mine has a sweet little boy who's just seven years old and had a brain tumor removed yesterday. The doctors think they got it all, but it looks like Medulloblastoma. That's the most common malignant central nervous tumor in children, so I'm guessing someone out there has experienced this or knows someone who has. 

I'd really like to find someone out there who could share experience, strength, and HOPE with my friend. So, please share this, ask around, and feel free to reach out to me at TheRealDaniG (at) gmail (dot) com. 

Thank you!!!

*This Moment*

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Great Bike Giveaway

THIS IS IT!!

Down to the wire in the Great Bike Giveaway from Friendship Circle of Michigan. Voting ends Friday May 18th at 4pm EST. Fifteen kids with special needs will win adaptive bikes made just for them to ride like the wind!!

Go check out the entries and then vote to be a part of making a huge difference in the life of a kiddo with special needs!

Rocking her tutu

Tonight my daughter has a ballet recital. She's got a cute little costume and is meant to dance to a song from Beauty and the Beast. I am keeping my expectations low since my heart sank last year when all the little girls came out to dance to the number she was supposed to be in, but instead she melted down backstage. Never even made it onto the stage. I stood up, ran out of the auditorium and to my girl. Still, I saw the look from the other parents. If you're a parent of a kid like mine, you know the look. It socks you in the stomach. Tonight I won't expect her to go on stage and perform, but I'll be very pleasantly surprised if that happens. The performance isn't why I paid the $100+ for the class or the $30 for the costume or the $17 for the shoes. I did that for the thrill she has after each dance class when she runs up to me and brags, "Mommy! I wore a tutu!" It's seriously cute stuff. I did it because she loves dance class and because she deserves a dance class.

And I did it because this is her chance to take a real dance class with her typically developing peers. This class is offered at her school with the full inclusion program. I don't know of any other place where she could take a dance class with "normal" kids. The private studios tell me that they can't provide support and it could be too distracting to the other kids. Tough stuff. But whether she dances tonight or not, I will know that she loved the class, loved the music and the girl can rock a tutu!

Stay tuned for the update on whether you-know-who made it on stage.

UPDATE

She did it. It was awesome. She came out with the other girls and I turned to my friend Staci and we both smiled as I said, "she came out!" She had a little help from Casey, her awesome advocate/shadow and she followed along with the other little girls. When it was over, I exhaled and tears streamed down my face. I went backstage and found a few other people in tears as well. It's pretty awesome to be surrounded by people who love my girl!!

Get Closer

"Pro Infirmis conducts an experiment: there are many people who have empathy for those with disabilities. Nevertheless, the passenger seat in the public bus next to Fabian often stays empty. Disabled people are a regular part of our society."