The Special Games

Running

Batting

Checking out the scene from the top of the bleachers

Blowing bubbles is a great sport

In March we got to participate in the 2009 Special Games put on by our city. It was on the high school football field. I wrote this post but never finished it so, so here it is!

Chuck was at work so I loaded changes of clothes and snacks into various backpacks (one for me and one for her) and we went down to the school at 10:00am. When we got there there were tons of people on the field. We got matched up with two high school students who would be Miriam's helpers. There was a big giant football helmet on the field and all the volunteers were lined up in two lines and me and Miriam and our two new friends took her through the helmet and ran down between the rows of cheering people. At first Miriam was surprised at the noise and the people, but then she loved it. We saw a lot of kids and adults we know from church who were volunteering for the event.

They had games all over the field, like t-ball, basketball, football, the 50 yard dash, bubbles, face painting, balloon animals, and even art projects. We had a great time and now, even 6 weeks later, Miriam still signs "games" and points and says, "Mom! Mom" everytime we pass the high school.

Here is part of an email I wrote about this afterwards, but I want to include it here so I will print it out with the blog.

When we began to be concerned about Miriam's development, especially speech, we were very distressed and did not know what to do or how to help her. But everything we have needed has come to us through prayers, through searching, through friends, family, and teachers. When we needed to know something, someone would say something to us that would answer our question. Our teachers, aids, doctors, nurses, therapists, and family and friends have taught and loved Miriam and we love them for it. These people have sustained us and given us what we needed to help our precious daughter. It has always been one little thing at a time, as it was needed.

Recently I had felt a little bit frustrated, but then there was help again. We went to the games at the high school on Friday. When we got there Miriam and I and the two girls assigned to help us ran down between two lines of cheering volunteers. We were there several hours, and had lunch, and ran and ran and ran, and played and saw many people we know. Miriam was so joyful. In the paper, the headline over Miriam's picture reads "Joy Abounds for Special Athletes." That is so true and it was true for everyone involved that day. I think that when we help other people it just makes our hearts bigger. The other headline reads "It Teaches Them the Worth of a Soul," and I can't forget that either. Our daughter is precious, as are all of the people that participated and volunteered that day, and I know Heavenly Father loves all of his children, and he finds ways to let us know it. I felt such a lift after this day, and Miriam has been happy also, and keeps signing to me about the games, and got very excited when we passed the high school yesterday before church. We had a wonderful and happy day and are grateful to everyone who made it possible.

What She Did Instead of a Nap While I Was on the Computer

At least this is better than emptying the entire dresser onto the floor!

This Is What We Say When The Bus Comes

Miriam, when the bus comes, you go outside. You go up the steps, take off your backpack, and sit in your seat and do your belts. One, two. Then you say, "Bye, Mom!"

Coming Home.

What is This?

Today I decided to go to the store, so after Miriam got on the bus, I got in the car and grabbed my jacket from the floor of the back seat and put it on. I drove a ways and then noticed there was something stuck under the seatbeat, under my arm. So I reached over and felt something plastic and pulled, and it was stuck to my jacket! I pulled and pulled and it finally came off. A GIANT RING POP!

My life is glamorous.


Chuck says just be glad that it was on the front. What if it was on my hood and I was walking around the store with it stuck to my back?