Beautiful Blooms

My mom left for Vancouver Thursday morning. After she left home, she realized that she had no map. She continued on her journey, as she didn't want to waste time going home for the maps. She figured she could find her way to Vancouver and then to Emily and Peter's apartment. She arrived safely at around 8 pm. as planned.

As my mom drove over the Rockies, it was still brown everywhere until she reached Hope, British Columbia. Suddenly, it became all lushly green. It was like driving from one season into another. Vancouver is beautiful with cherry blossoms all over the city. Many other flowers are also in bloom creating multitudes of spring colors.

Emily is now staying home awaiting for the arrival of her baby. While my mom was still in Edmonton, she was too busy to get excited. Now that she is in Vancouver and seeing how big Emily is, her excitement starts to mount.

It's A Small World

My Grandma is giving away her entertainment unit. As she cleans out her stuff, she comes across a few old, old records of children songs. One of them is "It's a small world". I look at the picture on it and it brings back memories of the ride at Disney World. I hang onto this record and refuse all the other ones. I make my mom play the song over and over again. I laugh out loud as I look at the pictures of the ride and listen to the music.

When I want my mom to put the record on, I sing to her, "Dum dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum dum".

Spring Retreat

My mom and I went to the Spring Retreat at Camp Nakamun. This gave me the opportunity of spending a weekend with young people - Junior High and Senior High. I am much older, but I blend in well because I look younger than my age. We had a nice room that is an accessible unit with very spacious bathroom.

On our first night, my mom could hear me laugh out loud after she turned off the light.


I woke up before 5 am. the next morning and was ready to go. I loved the music and singing. My mom supported me to participate as much as I could in activities. When my peers played human foosball, I wanted to join in. Initially, my mom was hesitant and didn't let me. Then she changed her mind and I got to play. My peers were very gracious and accepted me in the game. Whenever the ball came near to my vicinity, they gave me the time I needed to kick the ball. Sometimes, even my opponent team intentionally passed the ball to me. They are such wonderful people.

Saturday night was the best because we had a Talent Show. As soon as my mom mentioned "show" to me, I knew there was going to be more music, singing and dancing. My mom was really impressed by Nigel's awesome yo-yo tricks.

I Love Having a Fit!

Sunday was the first time I rode in our newly purchased Honda Fit. As my mom pulled out of the garage, I shouted, "Yay!" Realizing that I love the Fit, my mom got a tickle out of my reaction. A few weeks ago, she had a rental car while her van was in the body shop. I did not show any excitement for the rental car. So, she noticed the difference.

Generally, whenever I get into a vehicle, I ask for music. I have given up asking for music when I get into our van because the radio has broken down months ago. Now we have music in the Fit - What a treat! I simply cannot stop smiling. I wish my mom will take me for more car rides. I wonder when Emily and Peter will be coming home. It will be nice to go on a long car ride to the airport.

We are going to have a Fit!

My mom took me with her to test drive the Honda Fit. We didn't feel welcomed at the dealership. We walked round and round the showroom three times. There were many staff members, but none of them offered their assistance. A few of them took one look at us and then turned away ignoring us. Well, what do I expect, right? A woman with me in tow. In their opinion, we are not the "buy-a-car" type and we can't possibly afford to buy a car.

We are going to have a Fit! My mom will pick it up this Friday. This is perfect timing because our van broke down today. It has a severe oil leak and my mom cannot drive it any more. She parked it and it will sit there until Emily and Peter are ready to move back to Edmonton. My mom will then tow it to the shop to get it fixed.

Flu

I have been in contact with many others who contracted the flu - such as my roommates, Peter, Emily, and Grandma. My mom gives me garlic pills everyday to help boost my immune system. My mom and I have been lucky up until now. We both have runny nose. My mom aches all over, but she does not know if I have any pain.

My mom has been kind of stiff and sore after a rear-end collision on January 30. A few days ago, she came down with the flu and it is hard to tell whether the pain is related to the whiplash or to the flu.

My mom went for a physiotherapy assessment this afternoon. She did some stretching exercises and had hot packs to her neck and back. She is feeling less stiff tonight. She was given an exercise program to work on at home and to return for another assessment a week later.

Baby on its Way

My mom has been too busy to help me write my blog. That is why you have not heard from me for a long time. Emily and Peter came home to visit about a week ago. I could see that Emily's tummy is growing. My mom patted her tummy and asked me what was in it. I said, "Baby!"

Over the past few months, my mom has been exploring inclusive post-secondary education for me. She has submitted a couple of applications and will continue to apply to whichever college/university that will accept applications.

I am scheduled for an interview on February 16 at the Alberta Association of Community Living (AACL) office. Please pray for me, as it will be nice for me to be accepted into a program this coming fall. This will allow me the opportunity to meet with peers about my age. I need to learn how to interact meaningfully with others. My mom has been told that the government funding cut is affecting the program and it will reduce my chance of success.