2010: “The Year of Firsts”

2010: “The Year of Firsts”
As we reflect, 2010 was a year of hope, progress and breakthrough for our son.

This is the first year that Damian Jr….

*Received a Character Education Award (Integrity) @ his school.
*Won first place in his grade level for the Visual Arts contribution in his school’s yearbook.
*Stood with minimal adult support for more than 28 minutes while playing drums and singing loudly.
*Learned and explored communication on his 1st high tech device (Dynavox)
*Began wrestling his dad and winning.
*Took steps for the first time in his gait trainer/walker.
*Pedaled for the first time in an adaptive bike.
*Selected as 1 of 2 students in the State of Georgia to participate in a pilot inclusion program, where he spends 2-3 hours daily in a mainstream first grade class.
*Enjoyed respite at FOCUS and Dream House
*Played his keyboard while standing.
*Received over $30,000 in grants, donations, discounts, and gifts from family, friends and organizations to help make his home/car accessible and to help cover costs of music therapy. We are halfway there!
*Used sentences like “I did it!” and “I did good!”.
*Enjoyed the company of his talking parrot.
*Began repeating mealtime prayers.

Grateful. Encouraged. Overjoyed.