A Big Adventure!

This weekend was spent at Avon Tyrrell in the beautiful New Forest - it was a weekend for families of children with autism and aspergers.

The whole family had the most wonderful time, with both of my children amazing me with their ability to throw themselves into everything that was on offer and push themselves far beyond all our expections!!!

My little girl, who's only 3, was the youngest person to take part in the treetop assault course.... at 30ft up that's no small feet!!!  My son really came out of his shell and took part in everything, including flying down the 40ft zip-wire at 15 mph, scaling the 30ft climbing wall, and hitting the bullseye during the archery lesson. His 'Piese de resistance' was the fishing lesson where he caught a huge bream - the look on his face was priceless :0)

 

'My Name is Charlie' by Brian Webb

My name is Charlie; I'm different to you
I don't see the world the same as you do.
You see a classroom and I see a chair
I don't always notice what else is in there.

...Too much information keeps coming my way
It's so hard to cope with, day after day.
You show me so much that I don't always see
One step at a time is the best thing for me.

Bright lights and loud noises upset me so much
An unusual smell, or somebody's touch.
When you look in my eyes and I'm looking away
I'm not being rude if I don't hear what you say.

I'm not being awkward; I'm just doing my best
I'm striving so hard to be just like the rest.
The times when you think I've not really tried
If only you knew how that hurts me inside.

I want you to like me the way I like you
If only you saw things from my point of view.
Your life and my life both run parallel
Yours seems like heaven, mine's sometimes hell.

Whenever you're frustrated at the things that I do Remember
You could have been me and I could have been you.

© B.J. Webb. 2007



Shining Star - Silver Fingerprint Charm

In genuine star sapphires there are tiny imperfections and inclusions that reflect light perfectly to form a star in the stone. Every child with Aspergers is like this precious gem, unique in every way. Without the tiny inclusions, there would be no star. My wonderful son is my shining star...

This charm was created using 9g of silverclay. I cut and hand sanded it roughly, hand fired it with a torch, and tumbled it with steel shot for 15 minutes. I wanted it to look more 'rustic' than some of the other pieces I've made, so instead of polishing it to a high shine I just gave it a quick rub over with a silver cloth.

Celebrate Different, Not Indifference

Today's is not a crafty post, but a post to say how fantastic NAS and Parent Voice have been in supporting myself and the many other parents of children with disabilities in Hampshire and the UK.  The events, seminars, groups, and respite care they promote, organise, and fund are invaluable to so many and shouldn't be underestimated.