In case you can't wait... yes this ends well.
If you read completely through... you'll also find the video version ;-)
Understanding the past
Parker was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome in late March of 2003, just 6 weeks short of his 4th birthday, in the spring when the world around us was coming alive after the long frozen Illinois winter.
Late March through mid-May has become the time of year that is most difficult for me for many reasons and not just because all of the blooming trees, flowers and grasses drive my allergies insane. Almost every special needs parent I know can tell you the very moment they received their child's diagnosis. Despite searching tirelessly for an answer for Parker, every specialist had told me he was fine, I was a neurotic first-time mom. I wanted to believe them but my heart knew they were wrong so I kept searching. His diagnosis came as a relief that we had an answer (and that I was not insane) and a heartbreak all at once, it makes late March a difficult anniversary that isn't celebrated.
Parker was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome in late March of 2003, just 6 weeks short of his 4th birthday, in the spring when the world around us was coming alive after the long frozen Illinois winter.
Late March through mid-May has become the time of year that is most difficult for me for many reasons and not just because all of the blooming trees, flowers and grasses drive my allergies insane. Almost every special needs parent I know can tell you the very moment they received their child's diagnosis. Despite searching tirelessly for an answer for Parker, every specialist had told me he was fine, I was a neurotic first-time mom. I wanted to believe them but my heart knew they were wrong so I kept searching. His diagnosis came as a relief that we had an answer (and that I was not insane) and a heartbreak all at once, it makes late March a difficult anniversary that isn't celebrated.
Parker's birthday is May 4th. One of the best days of my life, a day I had waited a lifetime for. He was and still is, absolutely perfect in every way. He and his sister are ones I celebrate every single day of the year.
Yet as each year goes by I see him fall further behind his peers. I see a young man, almost 17 who faces (and conquers, mostly) significant challenges every day - challenges I had believed he would be cured of by now. Each year that passes, I have to accept his future won't be as independent as I had once dreamed it would be for him. Each year that goes by I am reminded of the little boy inside of him who still believes in Santa that lives inside of the body of the young man he has become while I watch his peers get their license and prepare for college. Each year I wonder if the friendships in his life will remain after they go on with their lives or if, with time, he will be forgotten and alone. Each year he turns another year older, I am reminded that I too am aging and will not forever be here for him which scares me most of all.
Yet as each year goes by I see him fall further behind his peers. I see a young man, almost 17 who faces (and conquers, mostly) significant challenges every day - challenges I had believed he would be cured of by now. Each year that passes, I have to accept his future won't be as independent as I had once dreamed it would be for him. Each year that goes by I am reminded of the little boy inside of him who still believes in Santa that lives inside of the body of the young man he has become while I watch his peers get their license and prepare for college. Each year I wonder if the friendships in his life will remain after they go on with their lives or if, with time, he will be forgotten and alone. Each year he turns another year older, I am reminded that I too am aging and will not forever be here for him which scares me most of all.
Spring brings our world to life, kids are out riding bikes, playing baseball and... going to prom. Each year it takes me back a little bit as I hurt for the experiences he will never know and wonder if there is any possibility that he could have them. Prom was a time I hid from, I avoided social media for a few days each year - a little less as Parker got older but enough to not let it hurt me to see. I had no idea if this was an experience he would ever have.
Like every life experience for my children, it has to be what they want. It's not about me. It's not about my wants. It's about their lives, becoming their own people and supporting their wants. It wouldn't matter if I wanted Parker to go to prom, if he didn't want to go, it wasn't going to happen - which is how it should be, disability or not. But Parker... well, Parker loves school dances. He's not much into dancing but he does a little, he's mostly into the beautiful girls (uh huh... 16 years old in many ways, no matter the disability!) and time with friends. He looks forward to every single one of them. But there is a difference between a school dance, like Homecoming, and prom. A big one. Prom is not just a dance, it's an event.
Last December as Parker and I were working on the 2016 calendar he kept asking when the dances were. I said, "Well, in April there is prom...." He didn't care what prom was, he only cared about getting it on his calendar and figuring out who his date would be. I, however, was not ready. We did not have any details from the school other than the date at this point - it was way too soon to put significant thought into it. Parker obsessed about it, asking each day for details while I ignored it, praying time would stand still so I wouldn't have to figure it out.
During Christmas break we had lunch with his friend, Drew. Parker lit up talking about prom and asked repeatedly about who he would go with. Drew gave me as much detail as he could which I made a mental note of. I told Parker we were not allowed to talk about it or find a date until the end of January. That only sort of worked, he still asked about it every day at least I had a solid answer to get us by.
Before we knew it, it was late January, the note from the school arrived in the mail detailing everything about prom imaginable (it was 3 pages, front and back long!). I could not put it off any longer, I had to figure it out.
So, at that time, I made Parker a promise. If you know me at all - you know that I only say the word "promise" to my children if I know I can make it happen. I had no idea how I'd make this happen but it meant the world to him so I knew that no matter what it took, I'd find a way to make it happen. That is, after all, what moms do.
Like every life experience for my children, it has to be what they want. It's not about me. It's not about my wants. It's about their lives, becoming their own people and supporting their wants. It wouldn't matter if I wanted Parker to go to prom, if he didn't want to go, it wasn't going to happen - which is how it should be, disability or not. But Parker... well, Parker loves school dances. He's not much into dancing but he does a little, he's mostly into the beautiful girls (uh huh... 16 years old in many ways, no matter the disability!) and time with friends. He looks forward to every single one of them. But there is a difference between a school dance, like Homecoming, and prom. A big one. Prom is not just a dance, it's an event.
Last December as Parker and I were working on the 2016 calendar he kept asking when the dances were. I said, "Well, in April there is prom...." He didn't care what prom was, he only cared about getting it on his calendar and figuring out who his date would be. I, however, was not ready. We did not have any details from the school other than the date at this point - it was way too soon to put significant thought into it. Parker obsessed about it, asking each day for details while I ignored it, praying time would stand still so I wouldn't have to figure it out.
During Christmas break we had lunch with his friend, Drew. Parker lit up talking about prom and asked repeatedly about who he would go with. Drew gave me as much detail as he could which I made a mental note of. I told Parker we were not allowed to talk about it or find a date until the end of January. That only sort of worked, he still asked about it every day at least I had a solid answer to get us by.
Before we knew it, it was late January, the note from the school arrived in the mail detailing everything about prom imaginable (it was 3 pages, front and back long!). I could not put it off any longer, I had to figure it out.
So, at that time, I made Parker a promise. If you know me at all - you know that I only say the word "promise" to my children if I know I can make it happen. I had no idea how I'd make this happen but it meant the world to him so I knew that no matter what it took, I'd find a way to make it happen. That is, after all, what moms do.
Finding a date, A mom's promise
Each time there is a school dance, I help Parker find a date - the easiest way I know how... Facebook. I post a status that Parker is looking for a date and one of his amazing friends always responds ready to step up and be his date. Every time. His friends are amazing! While it's always turned out well, it's still an incredibly difficult thing for me to do. I don't think people realize how difficult it is to ask for something that is, in our lives, so big - especially knowing how important it is to Parker and knowing that there is a chance no one will respond.
Asking for prom magnified my anxiety times a million as I typed out that status saying I had a handsome 16-year-old son looking for a prom date. While friends from way too far way quickly chimed in that they'd love to help - we also knew it wasn't possible. I smiled through the chatter as my heart sank a bit more with each passing minute as my fear of this not working started to feel like a reality.
If you follow my blog or Facebook page, you already know what happened next. Parker's friend Rylee text me that she wanted to go to prom with Parker. She took it a step further by asking if she could surprise him with a promposal the next morning by giving him a tie (he loves ties!). Knowing this could easily backfire as Parker hates surprises, we gave it a try and ended up with an amazing few moments caught on video that went viral for the world to fall in love with.
Asking for prom magnified my anxiety times a million as I typed out that status saying I had a handsome 16-year-old son looking for a prom date. While friends from way too far way quickly chimed in that they'd love to help - we also knew it wasn't possible. I smiled through the chatter as my heart sank a bit more with each passing minute as my fear of this not working started to feel like a reality.
If you follow my blog or Facebook page, you already know what happened next. Parker's friend Rylee text me that she wanted to go to prom with Parker. She took it a step further by asking if she could surprise him with a promposal the next morning by giving him a tie (he loves ties!). Knowing this could easily backfire as Parker hates surprises, we gave it a try and ended up with an amazing few moments caught on video that went viral for the world to fall in love with.
Rylee and I quickly became flooded with messages from all over the world from people of all ages who saw the video. While we were both taken aback by the incredible and positive responses, the person inside of Rylee that I knew showing who she really is came out. She said, "I have no idea what the big deal is, all I did was ask my best friend to the prom. I didn't ask a "kid with a disability". I didn't feel sorry for him. I don't see his disability. I just see my best friend."
Having watched Parker and Rylee's friendship grow over the years, I knew from the start where her heart was. She's always been by Parker's side. She comes over to swim during the summer. We go to movies together. They hang out and play Wii. She's never missed a birthday party. She's always there. She doesn't treat him any differently than she does her other friends. She calls him out when he's trying to get away with something. She pushes him to step outside of his comfort zone. She encourages him and cheers him on. She's been that friend from day one. She's not his friend because it would bring attention to her but because she has always seen beyond his disability to the person he is. And while I still don't think she fully realizes it, that's an incredible and beautiful gift that not everyone has.
It didn't matter if I was going to document this journey through my blog or Facebook or not, Rylee was not leaving Parker's side and was going to do all she could do be sure he had the best prom ever - helping me through each step of the way to prepare him. That is the difference in Rylee and the proof behind knowing she wasn't doing this for the attention or kudos, she simply wanted a great experience for her very good friend. This wasn't about her, it was about him and about them enjoying their junior prom because he deserved it just as much as all of their classmates.
That is not the heart and spirit of someone looking to do something for the attention or kudos. That is the heart and spirit of someone who is an amazing friend. That is why the world needs more Rylee's.
Preparing for prom
The last 2 1/2 months have been more planning and coordination of multiple people than I can even explain. It made finding Parker a date a cake walk. I had no idea what I was getting into when I reached out to the school to help me plan and prepare Parker for prom.
Having watched Parker and Rylee's friendship grow over the years, I knew from the start where her heart was. She's always been by Parker's side. She comes over to swim during the summer. We go to movies together. They hang out and play Wii. She's never missed a birthday party. She's always there. She doesn't treat him any differently than she does her other friends. She calls him out when he's trying to get away with something. She pushes him to step outside of his comfort zone. She encourages him and cheers him on. She's been that friend from day one. She's not his friend because it would bring attention to her but because she has always seen beyond his disability to the person he is. And while I still don't think she fully realizes it, that's an incredible and beautiful gift that not everyone has.
It didn't matter if I was going to document this journey through my blog or Facebook or not, Rylee was not leaving Parker's side and was going to do all she could do be sure he had the best prom ever - helping me through each step of the way to prepare him. That is the difference in Rylee and the proof behind knowing she wasn't doing this for the attention or kudos, she simply wanted a great experience for her very good friend. This wasn't about her, it was about him and about them enjoying their junior prom because he deserved it just as much as all of their classmates.
That is not the heart and spirit of someone looking to do something for the attention or kudos. That is the heart and spirit of someone who is an amazing friend. That is why the world needs more Rylee's.
Preparing for prom
The last 2 1/2 months have been more planning and coordination of multiple people than I can even explain. It made finding Parker a date a cake walk. I had no idea what I was getting into when I reached out to the school to help me plan and prepare Parker for prom.
Prom is an "event", seriously an event, for every parent with a million details to check off the list. For me, it wasn't just making a list to check off though, it was making sure Parker was prepared and understood each step that would be checked off. Working with the prom advisors, Mrs. Eberle and Mrs. Schoonover, Parker's teacher Mrs. Vohland, the principal, Mrs. Watts and his para-pro, Mrs. Wildebour I discovered just how long that list was. I also discovered that every person at the high school wanted to see Parker succeed and would do anything they could to make that happen and followed through with it. To say they were amazing and a huge part of his success is greatly misrepresenting the value of what they did, their dedication and support. It's also all I have at the moment to describe how fantastic they were.
We put together plans for the tux fitting, for preparing for the dinner, for practicing grand march, for who would be chaperoning and able to assist Parker if needed.
We discussed everything from the Grand March line up to a quiet place for Parker before and after Grand March to decompress to the steep stairs at the prom location and everything in between.
This is life with Fragile X. Planning. Preparing. Every detail. The more prepared Parker would be, the more likely prom would be a success. You would not believe the details that go into prom ... I didn't and am thankful to the guidance of everyone at the school to be sure every detail I had no idea existed was covered. I am, tremendously thankful.
We put together plans for the tux fitting, for preparing for the dinner, for practicing grand march, for who would be chaperoning and able to assist Parker if needed.
We discussed everything from the Grand March line up to a quiet place for Parker before and after Grand March to decompress to the steep stairs at the prom location and everything in between.
This is life with Fragile X. Planning. Preparing. Every detail. The more prepared Parker would be, the more likely prom would be a success. You would not believe the details that go into prom ... I didn't and am thankful to the guidance of everyone at the school to be sure every detail I had no idea existed was covered. I am, tremendously thankful.
Parker loves dances so I never really worried about "that" part of prom. The bus ride, the dinner, the dance... I knew that would all be fine. We'd review because it was the first time he'd be taking a bus to and from a dance and eating food they served versus going to Pizza Hut but I had no concerns over that portion of the night. My worry was all focused on Grand March. (you can read details on that here) We (the school and a couple of Parker's friends - not me, I simply reminded them to be there!) spent every day at lunch practicing the week of prom. Practicing in the empty auditorium during lunch is one thing. Actually going through with walking across the stage, stopping in the marked spots for pictures in a sold out auditorium of cheering people under a spotlight would be another. That's simply not something you can prepare anyone for until it happens.
The Big Day
In the blink of an eye, the 2 1/2 months we had spent preparing and practicing dinners, walking, opening car doors, getting fitted for a tux was here. We were, confidently ready. And secretly (or not so secretly) nervous.
Parker was, of course, up by 6:30 am. Ready for his shower and to get dressed. He was begging to put his tux on before he even ate breakfast. (I said no to that one). He was anxious. Waiting all morning was not easy. We called Rylee for some encouragement, a simple reminder from her that she would meet him at the park at 1:30 for pictures. Hearing that from her was significantly more calming that hearing it from mom. She was more than happy and willing to have that talk with him. It worked and settled his nerves.
We quickly learned that I had no idea how to help Parker shave. His dad had sent a razor and, in all fairness, I tried repeatedly but it wasn't working. His dad was out of town for the morning so I called my friend Kim asking if her husband (who Parker adores) was home and interested in lending us a hand. Sure enough, within a few short minutes "Hotdog" (known to others as Jeff) was there to save the day. (It really does take a village...)
As we were getting ready to go outside to throw the baseball around for a while to provide some sensory input to help calm his nerves and redirect some of his energy, Rylee text asking if she could stop by. She had just finished getting her hair done and wanted to show Parker. It was, exactly what he needed. You could see him relax, nerves leaving and excitement returning.
Before we knew it, it was time to get dressed so we could head to the park to meet Rylee for pictures. Grandma and Grandma had arrived. Grandpa helped Parker with the finishing touches of getting dressed.
When we arrived at the park, I realized a step I had not prepared him for... how many people would be there taking pictures. His nerves struck as it was time to get out of the van. This was bigger than just pictures with Rylee, this was tons of people all with one of Parker's least favorite things... cameras, in hand.
In this magical way that always seems to happen, Parker's friend, Drew, appeared. Sometimes I think he has a Parker sensor built in as he always has a habit of showing up when Parker needs a hand or some extra encouragement. Like always, there he was to let Parker know this was all going to be ok, encourage him to get out of the van and then after some advice, give him a hug before handing him over to Rylee. Drew is... amazing.
From that point on, pictures went incredibly well for a young man with Fragile X who struggles to look at people and be the focus of attention. While there were many reminders to "open his eyes" and "look at us" it was easier to forget that this was my son with special needs and remember, this was simply my son - the one I see when I look at him each day, who is the greatest son I could ask for getting pictures with friends for prom...just like everyone else.
I peeked in on him at the school, he and Rylee were hanging out with Mrs. Vohland waiting for Grand March line up. Doing what all 16-year-olds do... surfing the internet and taking selfies - sometimes, "normal" is incredibly nice.
I took my seat next to my parents as the lights dimmed in the auditorium. Parker and Rylee were number 29 in the Grand March line up. Intentionally near the start - but not the very beginning. Far enough back to be able to listen and watch others but not so far back that anxiety would overtake him during the wait. He was sandwiched between his friends, Preston and Jacob and their dates. Just as they had practiced, they were there to remind him he could do this. Rylee was, as always by his side. And, while Parker was completely unaware, Drew was strategically placed to be able to step in and lend a hand if needed.
Our goal and best case scenario was Parker would walk across the stage with Rylee by his side stopping at each of the indicated spots for photos. He had practiced keeping one hand on his stomach, this was the arm Rylee would hold onto. No matter what happened, he could not move that hand or "Rylee would fall" and we did not want that. The other hand was placed in his pocket.
Worst case scenario he either 1. would not go out onto the stage or 2. would go onto the stage then drop to the ground laying on the floor not moving. A common thing we've seen throughout the years when he is overwhelmed. While my heart said he would not do this, I knew I couldn't completely rule it out (even though I had told everyone else it would absolutely not happen) because... well, fragile x.
After what felt like an eternity and also the blink of an eye, it was time for Parker and Rylee to take the stage. I held my breath, my heart stopped and time stood still as I heard their names called. This was the going to be the biggest challenge he's faced in life up to this point and he was going to make it dramatic for me with a long pause after his name was called...
This was the first time, the entire day, I finally let myself cry. He did it. THEY did it! I don't believe he would have done this without Rylee by his side.
Did he cover his ear and then his face? Yes. Do I care? Nope, not even a little bit. He did what we had hoped, he walked nicely across the stage, he paused at the right places, he never once let go of Rylee. This was the most amazing moment. This was a huge, really huge success for Parker. There was extra cheering as they came out, made their way across the stage and walked out. The majority of the people there know Parker and knew what efforts had led up to this and recognized it for the tremendous success it was.
I was not the only one with tears of pride and happiness that afternoon. I was not the only one who was overwhelmed by the accomplishment and understood it's significance. This is a community that has watched Parker grow up as I've openly shared our struggles and triumphs, they've been by our side. This was not just a victory for Parker, or for Parker and Rylee, this was a victory for every teacher, parapro and community member who have worked with, supported and encouraged Parker over the years. This was a moment where the village that has raised him, celebrated for him an accomplishment that that is larger than life.
Most of all, Rylee knew how huge this was. While she simply asked her best friend to prom, she knew that came not only with work and preparation but with the potential for Grand March disaster. While I believed in my heart it would be fine, I had to realistically acknowledge and prepare everyone for the worst too. There was not a single moment where Rylee hesitated to not do this. She believed in him and it showed throughout the entire time we prepared and most of all it shined through that night.
Did he cover his ear and then his face? Yes. Do I care? Nope, not even a little bit. He did what we had hoped, he walked nicely across the stage, he paused at the right places, he never once let go of Rylee. This was the most amazing moment. This was a huge, really huge success for Parker. There was extra cheering as they came out, made their way across the stage and walked out. The majority of the people there know Parker and knew what efforts had led up to this and recognized it for the tremendous success it was.
I was not the only one with tears of pride and happiness that afternoon. I was not the only one who was overwhelmed by the accomplishment and understood it's significance. This is a community that has watched Parker grow up as I've openly shared our struggles and triumphs, they've been by our side. This was not just a victory for Parker, or for Parker and Rylee, this was a victory for every teacher, parapro and community member who have worked with, supported and encouraged Parker over the years. This was a moment where the village that has raised him, celebrated for him an accomplishment that that is larger than life.
This was a reminder for every parent who has a child with a disability that anything is possible, even walking the stage at Grand March.
Most of all, Rylee knew how huge this was. While she simply asked her best friend to prom, she knew that came not only with work and preparation but with the potential for Grand March disaster. While I believed in my heart it would be fine, I had to realistically acknowledge and prepare everyone for the worst too. There was not a single moment where Rylee hesitated to not do this. She believed in him and it showed throughout the entire time we prepared and most of all it shined through that night.
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| Photo courtesy of Christy Ault Churchill |
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| Photo courtesy of Christy Ault Churchill |
Her pride was bursting after they made it back to the classroom for Parker to take a break from the crowds until it was time to load the bus...
I missed the rest of Grand March as I made a quick trip to Dairy Queen, as promised, to pick up chicken strips for Parker and Rylee. I delivered them, gave Parker his evening pills and told them both how incredibly proud I was. The rest of the evening was completely theirs. It was going to be a time to celebrate, a time to dance, a time to be with friends and make memories of a lifetime. And that is exactly what they did.
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| Just a few of the many selfies throughout the night (Love them!) |
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| Parker with friends, Christian, Jessie and Cole at Prom 2016 |
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| A crowded dance floor and surprise visitor! |
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| Hanging at their table and checking out the desserts! |
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| And... they danced <3 |
The details not captured in pictures.
Prom was so much more than just what was captured in pictures. I sent multiple battery packs for Rylee to be sure her phone stayed charged without worry through the night. Which seems like a great thing until you discover what Rylee did for Parker...
Parker is a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and there was a game on that night. Rylee downloaded the MLB (Major League Baseball) app on her phone so Parker could follow the game on her phone. I mean we WERE excited about prom but... priorities - the CUBS were playing too!
Prom was so much more than just what was captured in pictures. I sent multiple battery packs for Rylee to be sure her phone stayed charged without worry through the night. Which seems like a great thing until you discover what Rylee did for Parker...
Parker is a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and there was a game on that night. Rylee downloaded the MLB (Major League Baseball) app on her phone so Parker could follow the game on her phone. I mean we WERE excited about prom but... priorities - the CUBS were playing too!
She also did something incredibly special, those who know Parker well, know that he loves Bob Seager's Old Time Rock and Roll. He listens to it daily and everytime we are in the car while drumming on the back of my headrest. Rylee asked the DJ to play "Old Time Rock and Roll" and give a shout out to Parker! :-) While the surprise of it all turned into him laying on the floor in the middle of the dancefloor for a little bit, it's also a video (thanks to his friend, Chris - even though Parker isn't in it) that he watches daily (and repeatedly) on Chris' Facebook Page where he can hear everyone on the dance floor singing along. An incredibly special and heartfelt gesture that is still making him smile today!
Prom 2016 has been the type of experience dreams that come true are made of. Parker and Rylee had the night of their lives. Parker loves looking through the pictures and I'm in the process of putting a keepsake book together for him.
This experience exceeded every expectation we had and remains a solid reminder to trust in those around you. There was significant hesitation from many when I said Parker would be doing Grand March. I stood my ground with pride while doing my best to hide my own fear and concern. I approached the school with hesitation, prepared to re-write Parker's IEP if that is what it took to get him permission granted to participate in Grand March. However, instead of being met with resistance, I was met with encouragement and support from what would become our prom team at the school - teachers who have not worked directly with Parker (but knew him) had every confidence in him. There was never even a hesitation on their part, simply welcoming arms offering to work with me to help prepare him. An amazing reminder that not everything in life is a battle, more times than not if you ask - it's a beautiful collaboration that leads to success.
Parker's friends, family, community, and school were there for him, every step of the way. Di's Bridal was amazing with after hour fittings for the tux, CJ's Flowers perfectly tackled the custom boutonniere for Parker to match flowers Rylee had from a previous dance that matched her dress and Dave Lewis Studio who walked me through the prom picture pose and has always captured incredible pictures of Parker and Rylee.
The countless people from our community who would stop me in the store or while getting gas to let me know they were keeping Parker and Rylee in their prayers, incredibly proud of his growth and excited to see how well he'd do reminded me of the many people in our community who love and support him and want more than anything to see him succeed.
In the special needs world, it's easy to feel isolated and alone - even for me. This reminder of how our community embraces each other was very much needed for me too.
The countless people from our community who would stop me in the store or while getting gas to let me know they were keeping Parker and Rylee in their prayers, incredibly proud of his growth and excited to see how well he'd do reminded me of the many people in our community who love and support him and want more than anything to see him succeed.
In the special needs world, it's easy to feel isolated and alone - even for me. This reminder of how our community embraces each other was very much needed for me too.
For Every Special Needs Parent
Sometimes we all need a reminder of the possibilities that are out there. It's so easy to look at what is happening in the lives of our children's peers and feel like being a part of "that world" is impossible. Prom was an event I had felt since Parker's diagnosis would not be an experience he would know. My biggest fear when he said he wanted to go was not being able to make that happen for him. Even when Rylee initially text, I was too scared to believe in the possibilities that were ahead. With each passing day, planning and outreach my fears subsided as we enjoyed the planning and experience that led up to this big day.
Success is measured differently for everyone, we know this from the lives we lead each day. Success for Parker and Grand March was walking across the stage with his hand over his face. Success for the entire prom experience was in the amazing smile that never left his face.
For Parker, success meant having a beautiful date who he could trust. For others, a successful prom means going with friends and not a date. For Parker, success meant wearing a tux like his friends. For others, success is dressing up in nice pants and a shirt or maybe a suit. For Parker success meant being there start to finish for every minute of prom - because that is what he wanted. For others, it may mean going in just long enough for a picture or to check out the event. At one time, for Parker, a successful school dance meant we were able to pull into the parking lot of the school in the evening even though he never got out of the car to go inside - it was a huge success and just the start of many "inchstones" that lead to our prom success all of these years later. Always celebrate the inchstones, as they are, equally as important - if not more, than the milestones in life.
Success is measured differently for everyone, we know this from the lives we lead each day. Success for Parker and Grand March was walking across the stage with his hand over his face. Success for the entire prom experience was in the amazing smile that never left his face.
For Parker, success meant having a beautiful date who he could trust. For others, a successful prom means going with friends and not a date. For Parker, success meant wearing a tux like his friends. For others, success is dressing up in nice pants and a shirt or maybe a suit. For Parker success meant being there start to finish for every minute of prom - because that is what he wanted. For others, it may mean going in just long enough for a picture or to check out the event. At one time, for Parker, a successful school dance meant we were able to pull into the parking lot of the school in the evening even though he never got out of the car to go inside - it was a huge success and just the start of many "inchstones" that lead to our prom success all of these years later. Always celebrate the inchstones, as they are, equally as important - if not more, than the milestones in life.
Success is individual for each of our children, for each child and adult throughout the world - special needs or not. Success is individual.
Most importantly, if you are like me and one spring day when prom is in the air you look at your very special child with hurt in your heart for the experiences you fear are impossible - I want you to remember there is another extra special child like Rylee out there with kindness and love in their heart just waiting to make a positive difference in this world. Hold onto hope, encourage friendships, experiences and never, ever give up on what could be one of the many greatest experiences of their lives.
To the Rylee's of the World
You are out there and the more you continue to do, the better the world we all live in becomes. We've been blessed to not only have a Rylee but to have a Drew, a Mercedes, a Jessie, a Sierra, a Lee, a William, an Alex, a Faith, a Michale, a Preston, a Jacob, a Cole, a Chris and so many more amazing individuals who have been there for Parker, encouraged him and helped him become the incredible young man he is today. There are so many more, it would be impossible for me to name each of you without forgetting someone - please know I see the amazing friend you are to Parker and I (we) appreciate it very much.
I cannot thank you enough for the opportunities, joy, and experiences you have brought to Parker's life. Each dance, each birthday party, each opportunity to be just one of you - just a teenager, not someone with a disability, have had the most incredible impact on our lives. We cherish each experience and Parker, as you know, will forever remember every detail of these incredible moments of his life. You have been more than a friend, you've been a lifeline, you've been a reminder of the possibilities out there and the good in our world. You have not just brought these memories and experience to Parker's life and to our family but to the thousands across the world who have been a part of our Fragile X journey. You've touched our hearts and inspired many just by being who you are. In this great big world that can be difficult for even the strongest, don't ever let anyone take away that light that is inside you. As my friend, Melissa would say, always leave a trail of glitter. You will make our world a better place.
To Rylee.
There are no words to express the incredible memories you have given us over not only the past several years but especially the last 2 1/2 months on our journey to prom. Your friendship to Parker is what stories and movies are made of. You have the gift of seeing beyond the disability the world sees into the soul of my son and treasuring him as your friend for that incredible person he is, who is often trapped inside the mind and body of someone struggling to live with his disability.
This has been the experience of a lifetime, not just for Parker but for me and for many who have followed our journey. Your family is as amazing as you are, to see their pride in you and watch them share it with the world is something that has not only made this journey more touching to our hearts but also an insight into your internal beauty that is part of who your family is. I would have to declare it a tie in pride between me in Parker and your mom in you.
There was no way that either of us could have predicted in 6th grade at that final dance of the school year when Parker danced for the first time with a girl that the very same, sweet girl would take him to prom a handful of years later.
Thank you so very much for this experience, for believing in Parker, trusting me and giving me the faith to trust in you. We did this. You and Parker did this. And I cannot thank you enough.
I cannot thank you enough for the opportunities, joy, and experiences you have brought to Parker's life. Each dance, each birthday party, each opportunity to be just one of you - just a teenager, not someone with a disability, have had the most incredible impact on our lives. We cherish each experience and Parker, as you know, will forever remember every detail of these incredible moments of his life. You have been more than a friend, you've been a lifeline, you've been a reminder of the possibilities out there and the good in our world. You have not just brought these memories and experience to Parker's life and to our family but to the thousands across the world who have been a part of our Fragile X journey. You've touched our hearts and inspired many just by being who you are. In this great big world that can be difficult for even the strongest, don't ever let anyone take away that light that is inside you. As my friend, Melissa would say, always leave a trail of glitter. You will make our world a better place.
To Rylee.
There are no words to express the incredible memories you have given us over not only the past several years but especially the last 2 1/2 months on our journey to prom. Your friendship to Parker is what stories and movies are made of. You have the gift of seeing beyond the disability the world sees into the soul of my son and treasuring him as your friend for that incredible person he is, who is often trapped inside the mind and body of someone struggling to live with his disability.
This has been the experience of a lifetime, not just for Parker but for me and for many who have followed our journey. Your family is as amazing as you are, to see their pride in you and watch them share it with the world is something that has not only made this journey more touching to our hearts but also an insight into your internal beauty that is part of who your family is. I would have to declare it a tie in pride between me in Parker and your mom in you.
There was no way that either of us could have predicted in 6th grade at that final dance of the school year when Parker danced for the first time with a girl that the very same, sweet girl would take him to prom a handful of years later.
Thank you so very much for this experience, for believing in Parker, trusting me and giving me the faith to trust in you. We did this. You and Parker did this. And I cannot thank you enough.
What's Next...
In a couple days, Parker turns 17 and his Junior year of high school will come to an end. What's next? A Senior Year to remember... with Senior class pictures, Homecoming, Basketball and of course... another Prom!
In a couple days, Parker turns 17 and his Junior year of high school will come to an end. What's next? A Senior Year to remember... with Senior class pictures, Homecoming, Basketball and of course... another Prom!
Every day is a part of this incredible journey of life we are on. Every day we have the choice to be kind. The choice to make a difference. The choice to do something good. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes we screw up (at least I do), but each new day is always an opportunity to start new and to make a positive difference in our world.
It's a rough world out there... do your part to be kinder and make it better for everyone who is in it. Most of all, never give up on what's important to you - the journey there may not be as easy for you as it is for others, it may have extra steps, steep mountains, and road blocks but nothing is ever impossible...
It's a rough world out there... do your part to be kinder and make it better for everyone who is in it. Most of all, never give up on what's important to you - the journey there may not be as easy for you as it is for others, it may have extra steps, steep mountains, and road blocks but nothing is ever impossible...
...except maybe the birthday party Parker wants to have at Anthony Rizzo's House with special guest Jake Arrieta and as many of the Cub's roster as possible ;-)
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