Participating in the " Tri 4 Inclusion "

 On Saturday we joined in The Tri 4 Inclusion- A Triathalon for  Inclusion through Mykayla's Voice- an organization that helps special needs kids find inclusion in typical schools.

Kim Resh, Mykalya's mom and organizer of the event, was able to get us a bike to use in the event. A company in Silversprings Md brings the bikes to events like this just so they can be available to kids who need them.  The company's name is Bullitt but unfortunately I did not get his name. He said they don't rent them, they just have them available for kids to use when they need them, like if we wanted to use one at the beach. Just awesome.

The other special bonus that Kim provided for us was a volunteer to help Gracie through the Tri.

Her name was Leah- she's 18 and headed for Muhlenberg in the fall and she is amazing. She rode the actual bike part for us ( Chris and Gracie were unofficial- because we didn't know if they'd be able to bring the bike) She had actually participated in a Tri before ( as well as a marathon) so she knew what she was doing.

Joy and Leah then helped Gracie do the Run part of the race. 

The only part of the race that Grace balked at was the swim. It was too loud in the pool for her so we waited while Chris did the laps.

That is our Team Gracie finishing the race. It was all about finishing the race. That's all.

It was a great day and a great learning experience.  So many kids with different issues all being like everyone else for a day- with a little help from their friends. 

Gracie "graduates" Pre-School

Waiting in the wings with Miss Norma

 Gracie "graduated" pre-school today. Miss Norma helped her navigate the "ceremony" and she went up to get her "diploma" with the rest of her classmates. Aunt Peewee and Uncle Roger came to cheer her on. It was such a normal thing but such a big step for her. She was included just the way she is.
Mrs. Linda Reinbold, director of the Children's Learning Center, put together a really nice program that actually brought a tear to my eye. The showed pictures of all the kids when they were babies, in the beginning of the year and in their "graduation gowns".
I  must thank Mrs. Reinbold, and Gracie's teacher, Ms. Kathy and Ms. Felecia for doing so much to include her and allowing her to be just a regular kid.  I also want to thank Gracie's school Tss, Miss Heather, and her home Tss's , Miss Sharon and Miss Lindsay, along with the special ladies that guide them, Miss Rachelle and Miss Norma for all the time and talent they give to us!

First Miracle League Game!

 Today we had our first experience with Miracle League and it was AWESOME!!
We weren't sure what to expect with Gracie but she did so well. Before the game started, she INDEPENDENTLY
said HI to someone and asked me for water. She was even the first person to bat( YIKES!) But the angels helped her and she hit the ball! Everybody cheered and we tried to get her to run but she just took a nice stroll down to first base! Her first angel was named Shannon.
For anyone who doesn't know ( like me), each child is assigned an "angel" to guide them. And there are "head angels' who pitch and help swing. The kids get two times to bat and two times "in the field." They bat till they get a hit and do whatever they feel like in the outfield. Some play catch, some wander like Grace. But they all seem to have a good time.

It was truly heartwarming to see the kids get a chance to be like other kids. Gracie did all the things that everyone else did. She batted , went to the field, hit again. She came in early in the second inning and we went  to the playground. Even at the end they all lined  up to shake hand or high five and she went right down the line.
WITH ALL THE OTHER KIDS!.

 It may seem like a small thing- playing with other kids- going along with a different experience. But to Gracie and to us these are HUGE  steps! We are thankful to all the people who help make these games possible!!