The Knights of Columbus at St Doms do a FANTASTIC job for JBSRA. They not only donate big money to the organization so that fees for programs are less for parents - they put on a Christmas party for all the Special Needs kids that is FANTASTIC! We've gone or 5 years I think. It gets bigger every year. They feed us lunch - have caroling - and then the Fat Man shows up on a fire engine! (my personal favorite) What's also nice is that we ALL come together - little, big, adult, baby. So we ALL network - PLUS - there's hope. You see adults who have gotten married, work at jobs, live happy, independent lives. You also see kids "worse" off than yours and guess what - they're happy and having a great time just like everyone else. You get to talk to other parents who have "been there". Kids have melt downs and run screaming - but there is no "judgemental looks" there are smiles and the gaze of "yes, I remember those days". There is a community of tolerance to the max.
That Christmas party is really what Christmas is. Unbridled joy. Excitement and overly powerful hugs at seeing a friend. Adults sitting on Santa's lap. The sweet sound of voices who can't carry a tune singing their hearts out. Presents big and small and not a "no fair" to be heard.
Jack did exceptionally well. This party is for Special Needs kids and even though siblings are invited they do not get a present. Jack did VERY well with this. He was nice, and sat with Sal as she waited for her turn. He even took really good pictures with Dad's camera. He was rewarded with an afternoon at Juan and Jonathon's. (neighbors)
Sally goes to the North Pole today, on the Polar Express. It's a social club event and from what I hear it's at capacity! So everyone was asking everyone else at the Christmas Party if they'd be there. So as we left there was a LOT of "see you tomorrow" 's. :-)
Since Jack misses out on this again - he gets to help put up the tree (something usually reserved for Mom and Dad only). He likes being part of secrets and the whole Christmas magic. Even though he still believes this year I can see it probably won't be too long and I think he'll really enjoy being part of the other side.
Wish the sun wold come out.
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