Tuesday night I decided to register our family for the 2010 Walk Now For Autism. I created our family’s webpage. Set it up with our team name – Cuyler’s Crew – and sent out an email to several family and friends to let them know that we are participating this year.
The generosity so far is overwhelming.
Completely overwhelming.
Sean checked out our website while he was at work and texted me: “We are surrounded by good people”
It’s times like this when I realize how much I love my community. It’s a small town – with several decent amenities (RC Superstore, Winners HomeSense and 3 Tim Horton’s…). If we want to see a movie or eat a decent restaurant we have to drive to neighbouring towns or cities that are not too far.
It’s small enough that you have to give yourself an extra 30 minutes to grocery shop because chances are you’ll see no less than 5 people at the Superstore that you’ll stop and chat with.
You’re never sure whether you first met somebody at the Early Years Centre, gymnastics, swimming or hockey. And it doesn’t matter because your paths will continue to cross.
My kids go to an old, small school. All the parents know each other. It’s a very family centered school where the parent and teacher involvement is high. There’s an open door policy and wide open communication. I can’t imagine a better environment for Cuyler to flourish in. He’s comfortable there and everybody knows him. If they don’t know him – he soon fixes that by approaching them and asking “What’s your name?” Then asks (adults) if they have babies. Then asks what they drive. I have never had anyone not answer his questions without a smile. He’s such a charmer. More importantly – he is accepted.
Cam can end up at any one of several friends houses after school or I could end up with an extra kid in our van on the way home.
Eva is pretty well known too. She comes with me every Friday while I do kindergarten lunch duty. She’s become pretty popular with the big kids and is itching to get into kindergarten. Unfortunately she has a January birthday and has another year to wait. If only she came 13 days earlier…
As I see donations pop onto our website – I am reminded of what a fantastic community we live in. Where people support each other and want to help make a difference.
I hope that my kids pick up these traits and end up a product of this wonderful environment.
Oh and we are toally getting “Cuyler’s Crew” t-shirts made a la Team Braverman.
(I love that show!!)
YAY! can’t wait to meet you guys!! So glad you are coming! It really is quite amazing how even those you think will not give end up being your biggest supporters. See you on June 20 – Suzanne (DIY Sara’s Sister) – Autism Speaks Canada!!
It’s amazing because I live in The Big City and I feel like I live in a small town! Our neighbourhood is such a tight community, centred around the school. I have a Starbucks at the end of my street and it is like my Cheers (minus the beer) because “everybody knows my name” 🙂 When my mom was sick people dropped off meals, wine, and offered endless support. Community makes all the difference when you need it!
Christine, now that I finally know how we are connected, I can perfectly envision your wonderful school and its amazing principal!
My daughters go to a small school, too (only 7 classes) and I know what you mean about community. My oldest has been in the same grade as an autistic boy since grade one, and he is equally accepted and loved by the school community. Everyone knows him and we are all charmed by his generosity, openness and inquisitive spirit. He has grown and flourished so much in the four years we have known him, and we are all rooting for him to succeed.
I’m sure it’s the same at Cuyler’s school. How wonderful for all of our exceptional children that there are such places for them.