Sunday, April 1, 2007

The Best Birthday Present - Friendship


Miles and Allyson made me so happy today. They came to Ashley’s birthday party – and they really wanted to come to her party. Miles is in the 7th grade at Ashley’s school. He is a talented singer and is in the choral group at the school. He was also recently in a wonderful musical production at school – Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. Miles is a very special kid. If you go to the first entry I wrote for this blog, you may read more about Miles. He is Ashley’s dancing partner and he is her friend – by choice.

Allyson is the 8th grade SCA president at Ashley’s school. She is beautiful and special and I’m sure, has a very bright future ahead of her. She is a peer helper in Ashley’s special education classroom, and like Miles, wanted to come to Ashley’s party. Allyson really seems to enjoy Ashley’s company and has learned a lot about her. That was very evident when she walked into the party with a Sponge Bob balloon and a pink tiara for Ash – both perfect gifts!

In a world where many people – both children and adults – just stare at Ashley and even seem frightened by her differences, to have two children embrace Ashley’s differences and welcome her into their world gives me hope for the future.

Thank you, Miles and Allyson! And a very special thanks to their parents also. You have raised children who are making and who will continue to make an important difference in this world!

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