Happy April, a month that brings warmer weather, the blooming of flowers, and the planning of Summer. We also will be living in Richmond for 10 years this month, Happy Anniversary to us! Many celebrate Autism Awareness in the month of April. As someone who lives with it every day, I applaud a month but would do a standing ovation for it 365 days a year! I wrote a little about this in an article below as well as an article on doing hard things!
This picture is from our 5k last year with ASCV, read our article below to learn more about joining! We’d love to have you!
Last week, I took a train to DC for the day and visited with a friend that I don’t get to see very often. It was a real treat, I loved my alone time on the train and seeing my friend Emily, was a reminder of all the lessons she continues to teach me. I didn’t even know at the time, what it was that she was teaching me, here are some of the lessons I have learned from her, that will help anyone, but as a parent to a child with Special Needs, these things have given me such strength.
1. Parents need to spend time away from their kids, even if it is only an hour. We are no good to anyone if we aren’t good to ourselves.
2. Boundaries are our friends. We can set limits and it is ok.
3. Ask for what you want. You will never know if you don’t try.
4. Believe you are worth it, or no one else will.
5. Dance and do not care what you look like.
6. Set your goals higher than you can imagine. You may surprise yourself.
7. If you don’t agree, speak up. You probably aren’t the only one.
I hope that by sharing this with you, it may have you think back to a friend who has taught you something or that this list will be motivating for you to speak up, stand up or dance!
If you aren’t traveling this week, here is a repeat of an older article with some day trip ideas from Richmond.
We have a lot of great articles this month and will continue to be adding weekly on site. Summer camp info is continuing to grow, Bricks For Kidz, Young Chef Academy, Camp Baker, and Miracles in Motion are a few so far. We will continue to add as we locate.
Jacob’s Chance has a few Spring Events happening along with a Day program for those who have left High School, you can read and register, right here.
Be sure to check the site and Facebook to stay up to date. If you have anything you want to share or add, please get in touch. This site is for you, we need to and want to know what works! You can email Carissa or Tricia.
KnowDifferent.net is a site for all special need families that have to do anything “KNOWdifferently”. No matter what the diagnosis, our site will offer you a place to learn, a place to share and a place to feel KnowDifferent.We have some great community events coming up, be sure to check our calendar frequently as we add to it daily. Some more detailed info is included here about Winter sessions for our kids to keep busy as well.
To our readers, we thank you for being a part of our network. To our sponsors, we thank you for trusting our platform to help make a difference. To our community, we are so grateful for you all and look forward to growing together.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable start to Spring.
With Gratitude and Commitment,
Carissa