Love Sensation: There’s Nothing That We Can’t Do

Posted byAbPosted inADHD, adoption, FASD, gratitude, growth mindset, love, Parenting, ResiliencyTags:, ,

Last month, I had the privilege to participate in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to observe the second reading of Bill 106, an Act to proclaim Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week – proposed by MPP Billy Pang.

I’m a proud member of Surrey Place’s Family Advisory Council and the organization was one of several invited by the provincial minister to support and observe the debate.

As a caregiver, I see first hand how awareness helps improve lives and outcomes, to increase understanding, to dispel hurtful misconceptions and reduce harmful stigma, and to further inclusion.

“When I feel alone

I always wanna bring you near

Cause you bring a smile right here

You chase away my darkest hours

When we go walking

sunlight’s all around you

It’s all around you

And did I mention

You always bring me back

with your pure intention.”

It was my first time observing this procedure and it was wonderful to learn about our democratic processes.

I appreciate the rigour in which legislation is introduced, debated and passed.

At Queen’s Park, where the Legislative Assembly of Ontario meets.

I am also mindful and not naive to the political song and dance – and the symbiotic relationship between politicians, service organizations and citizens.

It is a necessary process and relationship.

As a voice within the ocean of caregivers, I want to help get the message across that awareness alone, without funding and support, is not enough.

But it is an important first step in education, advocacy, social connection, and necessary change to make the world a better place.

The Act needs to pass a third and final reading – likely over the summer – before it is passed. Fingers crossed!

This moment was a reminder of the importance of showing up as a community for those we care about most.

The community showed up to observe and support the second reading of Bill 106.

We’re now just 10 days away from the end of Grade 5 and the start of T’s summer break.

It’s been an interesting and challenging year – I’m ready to move on.

This year has reinforced to me that FASD is a little known and understood disability and that as T gets older, it will lead to further misunderstanding and challenges for him and us, as his caregivers.

But despite how hard, heartbreaking and soul-crushing it can feel on some days, I refuse to let it wear us down.

There’s so much good, light, and positivity to celebrate and to build on.

A wonderful reminder we see every week during T’s swim lessons. He starts pre-lifeguard classes this fall!

While T excitedly counts down to summer, I’m waiting with great anticipation for Madonna’s new album on July 3 – a thematic sequel to her beloved 2005 album “Confessions on a Dance Floor.”

She’s released three teaser songs so far, the latest being “Love Sensation.” Naturally, the song is on repeat during our drives.

“Let me guess,” T says from the back seat. “This song is called, ‘There’s nothing that we can’t do?’”

It’s a good guess, because it’s a line M repeats throughout the song.

As an adult, I am well aware that “nothing is impossible” is a fallacy. But it certainly doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give life our best try.

Together.

Because in the hardest moments, we tap into something deep within us that makes us feel that there’s nothing that we can’t do.

Together.

40 thoughts on “Love Sensation: There’s Nothing That We Can’t Do”

    1. Thanks Wynne! We’re heading off for our roadtrip in a few minutes. I’m so happy it’s finally here. 😊 I love seeing your updates and love that you’ve made it to Paris! 💕

      Like

      Reply

  3. Bravo for being a witness for the second reading of Bill 106! Your advocacy and support of T and others is crucial for improving awareness, support, understanding and services.
    Pre lifeguarding! Wow!!! How exciting!

    I wish your family a peaceful, joyful summer filled with love and adventure!

    V

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. It’s awesome that you got to observe the second reading of Bill 106. Hopefully it passes. Hard to believe it’s nearly the end of the school year. Despite all the challenges, I like your approach to focus on the positives. And that Madonna sure has many life lessons figured out! Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Linda. They said it’s going for Third Reading this summer so fingers crossed! 😊🙏 And I’m obsessed with the rollout for M’s new album. I have to restrain myself from turning this blog into My Life with M – so I find ways to sneak her in from time to time instead. 🤣

      9 more days of school! Enjoy your week ahead!

      Like

      Reply

      1. I love it!! And I love how T is a huge Madonna fan too! We only have 4 more days left of “school” (or rather day care) until our little M is off for the summer. Where does the time go!? I imagine you’re also looking forward to your upcoming tip to NB!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Enjoy the final week of “school”. 😊 What are her plans for summer?

        We’re looking forward to Quebec in two weeks! And NB in August. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      3. One of the teachers from the day care is going to come to our house for a few days a week during the beginning of July. We’re then planning to use a bunch of our vacation over the end of July into August. I imagine it’ll go by pretty quickly.

        You’re going to have such a fun time out east! I like your approach to spread things out over the summer. I think we’ll try to do that next time as well rather than plan one big trip.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. I love reading about the democratic process of Bill 106. While technically a democracy, Indonesia definitely lags behind Canada when it comes to transparency and public participation of the entire process of making a bill into law. I love how raising T makes you more engaged with the democratic institution of Canada. I agree that “nothing is impossible” shouldn’t be our guiding principle in life. On the other hand, “together we can” sounds and seems more plausible and logical to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Bama. It was really cool to witness and participate in the process. I did think that why does it take so long to pass a bill but I do appreciate the rigor and checks and balances in place. Much better than some parts of the world that try to push things through. 🙏 And together we can is such a wonderful philosophy to live and love by. 😊💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks Margie. As someone noted above, it doesn’t happen in isolation – and I’m thankful to be part of a larger whole. 💕🙏

      And I’m just obsessed with this new album rollout. I’m restraining myself from turning this blog into My Life with M instead. 😂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. thanks for showing up to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. this is a wonderful place to be, where politics, advocacy, service industries and citizens come together to make things happen. nothing happens or changes in isolation. here’s to all of you supporting and standing for this, and i’m hopeful for a good outcome. you are a fighter, just like T is a fighter. like father, like son. i love the picture of the two of you . p.s. thanks for the song!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Beth. 😊 I think this journey has taught me that we can all be tougher than we think we are – and T is my inspiration, as much as he drives me crazy each day. And I love that picture too. It reminds me of much simpler times!

      PS. You and M are both from Michigan! The grit and tenacity are always inspiring.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. A lovely way to show your love for T, knowing there are conferences like that which you can attend. Good luck to T, may he enjoy his summer break activities. BTW, I love that Dr.Seuss quote.🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Arlene. It’s very comforting there is a larger community out there trying to make the world a better place for T and others like him. 😊 and I love that Seuss quote too!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. “I want to help get the message across that awareness alone, without funding and support, is not enough.” That’s the line that jumped out the most at me. Still, if more people are involved in the process and paying attention, politicians are more likely to listen.

    I didn’t know Madonna was about to release a new album. Love Sensation has a great beat.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Pete. You totally got it! It’s a necessary song and dance with the political process and the more people mobilize and speak up, the more change we can help enact together as a community. 😊🙏

      And I try to restrain my Madonna love on this blog otherwise it would be a completely different blog. 😂 But I sneak her in from time to time. The new album is going to be incredible!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks Michelle. It was a great experience. I only get to see the building interiors on the news so it was surreal to be inside it. Security was tight! 🤣

      And we are counting down every day till summer. 9 to go! 🙏😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. I can only imagine how great you felt being apart of this, advocating, learning, and letting your VOICE be heard. Not only for your family, but also those who share a similar experience, and have yet to find their VOICE.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Congrats Ab and to all involved for the advocacy you demonstrate! So excited to learn T is taking on the challenge of keeping others safe. He is an incredibly caring boy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Deb! I’m not sure it’s something T will pursue one day but nonetheless, it’s good skills to learn regardless of what he does with them. 😊🙏 Hope your grandkids enjoy the start of their summer. 9 days to go for us over here.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. How amazing that you have the opportunity to participate in what will, hopefully, be a historical step forward for those living with disabilities! And lifeguarding sounds like such a great place for T to both learn and be mentored, and have the opportunity to guide and set a positive example for others. You are all doing great!! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Erin. If it gets passed, it’ll be observed every year starting next May. I do hope it gets passed because awareness is the first step towards change. 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks Ganga! We’re taking a break with swim lessons this summer as you have to take during during the week as a week-long camp and the hubby and I can’t drive him cuz of work. But he’ll resume it in the summer. We’ll see if it’s something he wants to pursue. But at the very least, good skills to learn! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a Reply