Swing For The Fence…

You know that old saying "swing for the fence"? I feel like this last year with Alley I have gained an immense amount of courage to "swing for the fence" when it comes to his life and decisions made for it. This is not how it's always been, in fact it was probably quite opposite until recently.

I have to share a blog about this because I am quite proud of what we have created. I have been coaching high school girls basketball with the same school for 14 years now. I love this program. The coaching staff are my dear friends. This "job" has given me an outlet and it will always be so special to me. It was there for me when I was losing my way as mom with a new baby. It was there for me when we started navigating the diagnostic process for Alan, which at every turn and evaluation was another let down, this was a pick me up. It was there for me when I was losing my little brother, a distraction to make me feel human again for an hour or two. It's just been such a constant in my life pre-Autism, and heartache. It's my comfort zone, being inside the lines of this court, it's where I belong.

Over the years my husband and I have always said we wanted to get Alan involved in activities. But finding ones which activities would also hold his interest long enough is the challenge. Ever since he was little he wasn't interested in shooting, or dribbling or passing, but man when someone else made a basket he would jump up and down with total full body excitement! Pure joy coming out of his face. It was precious to watch especially as two parents who are former basketball players. Our hearts leapt! Ever since then we have continued to try and grow his love for the game, but I've always felt we have come up short with opportunities for everyone to be included. Yes, there are activities offered for children with special needs but I always felt that Alley didn't quite fit that mold either. Some of the qualifications he just didn't have. Again, cue the heartache of not fitting in.

Over the summer, my other son Vinny, hit 5 years old. He was finally old enough to join the little kids camp at the high school I coach. I was elated to see one of my own as a camper in a camp that I've been a part of for so long! Literally the greatest feeling ever. Alley was in extended school year at the time, and I would pick him up from ESY and we would go the the high school to pick up Vinny from camp. The interest Alley showed to me in the couple minutes of picking up Vinny sparked an idea in me. I was driving home from the high school one day thinking about how I can get Alley more involved. What can I do as his biggest advocate to gain some more life experiences. It hit me like a ton of bricks. A special needs camp with our girls varsity team. DUH. Why have I never thought of this all these years? I'm guessing self conciously I never felt that he was ready to be in such a chaotic place. But I believe he is now, and maybe that's why this idea came to me?

So we are doing just that. We are swinging for the fence this January! My team at Providence Catholic High School will be hosting our first ever basketball camp for campers with special needs! We are thrilled to see where this can go and offer an amazing opportunity for everyone with no restrictions. My message to anyone who is a parent, an advocate, a guardian, a family member or a friend, swing for the fences with our kids! Whatever that may be a sport, a class, a vacation, a birthday party, a chaotic public place, anything! Yes, this camp might be a total fail and that is in the back of my head. But man how amazing will it be for everyone if it's a total success? Just keep swinging.....

With Grace-

This Autism Mama