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

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.

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.

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.

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.