During school lunch a few weeks ago, T proclaimed to his class he was refunding his parents.
His CYW recounted to us with amusement, via text message, that T ranted out loud that he had told Daddy (the hubby) many times that he didn’t want meatballs for lunch and still got them.
Due to this unforgivable offense, T said he was going to Walmart to put his parents back on the shelf and get new parents.
After his soliloquy, the class laughed out loud.
His CYW, who’s working with T for the second consecutive year, is a godsend.
She sees the potential in him and his many strengths.
Like us, she thinks T has a great sense of humour – and we look forward to her text messages updating us on whether lunch was 👍 or 👎.
She works as T’s external brain – now on a part time basis, rather than full time, as there are other kids with needs in his school too.
We could tell how much she cares for T and we are so grateful for the difference she makes.
Most recently, the class had to complete a project about Canada – to create a display then present it to the class.
His CYW was determined to help T do well and gathered dollar store supplies over the weekend.
She then coached him on his presentation.
On the big day, she texted us enthusiastic updates and photos, letting us know T did excellent.
At a teacher-parent conference last week, T’s teacher and CYW gave us great feedback on how T is doing – his strengths and areas for improvement.
T’s CYW said she considers herself very lucky to work with T.
I replied that we are the lucky ones to have her.
The day after was another PA Day and T attended another wonderful meetup event hosted by Surrey Place for kids with FASD and their caregivers.
Instead of horses and dogs, the activity was a cooking class! The hubby took T this time and it looks like they had fun!
Raising a kid with special needs is hard. What makes a big difference are the community supports – and we’re so lucky to have the ones in our lives.
They are the angels in the infield.
My Life With T 
So cute… if one can change a new set of parents on the shelf of Walmart!
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Wouldn’t that be fun! 😆 Very nice to hear from you Serena.
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Where did even get the idea of refunding his parents? 😆 That is so hilarious. T really does have a great sense of humor. I love the look of that box T made to present to the class. It reminds me of some exciting projects I had at school. I’m really happy to see how much support T has around him so that he can be the best version of himself.
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T has a wonderful sense of humour. 😊 And we are, like you, very happy to see that the supports in place for him too. As you said so wonderfully, it’s about helping him be the best version of himself. Thanks Bama. I hope you’re doing ok.
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The right teacher at the right time can make such a difference.
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Thank you, Gary. Yes they most certainly do.
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“Raising a kid with special needs is hard. What makes a big difference are the community supports – and we’re so lucky to have the ones in our lives.” Yep, it takes a village. If only we ALL had at least one angel in the infield. Just imagine how much easier things would be!
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It certainly would be! Thank you Stacy. 😊
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OMG! I love that he is refunding you both! LOL! Awesome sense of humor! As a parent of Jess, I completely appreciate the Angels in the Infield!
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I know you’d get it, Vickie. 😊💕
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It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes to have a good teacher or CYW or support system in general. Glad to hear T nailed his presentation. His display looks pretty legit!
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Thanks Linda. We are blessed to have his CYW’s support. So proud of his presentation outcome. 😊
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It’s great that you all have such an amazing support system Ab. Sounds like T and the CYW have established a unique bond.
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Thanks Tammy. We feel blessed and don’t take it for granted. We know as T gets older, the supports may become less so taking it a day and a lesson at a time!
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Like Wynne said, that title and conclusion were a home run. 😉 How lucky T is to be surrounded by such a caring community…. maybe he’s reconsidered returning you and the hubby haha! 😆😆
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Thanks Erin. The CYW gave Christmas and birthday gifts for T in Walmart canvas bags. We just love this jokes that keeps on giving!
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T’s CYW sounds amazing! You’re all so blessed to have that sincere care paired with a great sense of humor!
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Ahhh! When you hear “I’m lucky to work with your child” it’s like music! Such a gift when those who get to know all the fab facets of our loved ones see their own lives enriched in the process. So good! 🥰
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Thanks Vicki. When she said that to us, it really touched us. I think the fact she wanted to work with him again for a second year speaks volumes about her sincere care for him. We feel so blessed.
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I agree! Angels all around…I’m so happy for T.
Xo! 🥰
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Ha! I hope the shelf will not get too dusty. Who knows how long you will need to sit there and wait to be picked up again by some kid.
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Will probably find ourselves in the discount bins soon! 😆
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🤣
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I love this post Ab and you are so lucky to have the CYW you have! T’s “Canada box” looks like it was fun along with a cooking class too, so exciting!
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Thanks Diane. We are indeed so lucky. I often think about – and you’ve seen this firsthand in your former work – that supports will be more challenging to get as kids get older. So definitely don’t take this for granted and can only take it a day at a time.
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I also hope T can get the services I offered when he’s an adult. My adults had a ISP budget and I was able to do so much with them to get them into the community. To them I was like a “Big Sister” and we were and are still friends. I had a past client call me last night but I have covid and wasn’t able to talk. She always calls me when she wants to go out to dinner with me, so sweet!
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Thanks Diane. I hope so too. I think a lot about the future and planning for it with hope but also pragmatism.
I can see how you are like a Big Sister to many! It’s sweet they still keep in touch with you.
And I hope you feel better soon from Covid! How awful you got it again! Hope the symptoms are mild.
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Angels in the infield – your title (and conclusion) gives me the chills. What a beautiful relationship with T and his CYW and all the wonderful people, including his dads that do so much to feed his mind, body and spirit. Even if he doesn’t like his lunch… 🙂
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Thank you Wynne. Yes, we are lucky for this relationship and feel so blessed! T only eats a handful of things so he gets 2 variations for lunches. One day maybe his repertoire will expand! Maybe there’ll be inspiration on the shelves at Walmart!
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Not enough behind the scenes helpers get the credit they deserve so this is wonderful to hear Ab! Also, I’m glad T allowed you and hubby to leave Walmart and come home. I hope you got the message about the meatballs though. You never know where he’ll decide to put you both next time 🙂
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Thanks Deb. It takes a village and so much of the behind the scenes helpers need more credit and spotlight!
And no, he hasn’t had meatballs for a while now. 😆
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When your kid has a great teacher or aide, it makes such a huge difference. You feel like no challenge is too big. And then you get to see your child full of optimism and excited. Great feelings. An inspiring post. Love T’s story too. Sounds like he’s a natural storyteller. Ha, ha.
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Thanks Brian. I know you post from time to time about your wife and her work. I’m one of the recipients – well, my child rather – of the important work she does. And it makes such a big big difference. So thank you to her and others like her doing this important work!!!
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I’ll pass along Ab. I wish I had that kind of patience. I’m so happy that Ts getting the support he and you guys need!!!!!
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