How we master the complexities of flight?
The excitement of new adventure, reunion and independence...this is the gamut of thoughts and feelings, I am sure my children felt on their recent excellent airplane adventure.
As always, it starts with me…scheduling has become my forte over the years, fitting as much into a week to keep me and my children busy. The echo of a woman laughing in the waiting room of the chiropractor’s office and saying, “Well, I’m not going to be one of those Moms that drives herself and her family to the ground by over-booking”; there is a distant reminder in the back of my head, “Hey that IS you, what are you doing?”
This summer as always, I started early to look at possible things for summer activities. I do believe the children need to be involved in “something”. This is while I, for the first time in years, work full time. “Aaaa…” was my inner self stressing over the thoughts of an all day PJ party, an empty fridge and not a whole lot of cleaning or picking up after themselves. Heck, yah!
Well, one brilliant idea was to send them to Toronto to visit my family. This was to gain some quality time with Grandpa, Grandma, my brother, his family, and all the other extended family we have back there…not to mention to get myself sorted out with some alone time and their rooms with a much needed cleaning. Huh, is all I have to say!
It seemed simple enough but as we moved closer to the departure day, I became more and more worried that they could have some sort of incident on their trip! I must also explain that this past Christmas, my elderly parents came out and made it to the Abbotsford airport…only after deplaning, getting lost in the Edmonton terminal, being refused re-entry to the departure area and touring around the airport for help. They were a mess when they arrived at Abbotsford. Oh my, my poor babies! What had I done?
Well, there was no turning back. The tickets were purchased with no refund. Statuses were posted to Facebook announcing the trip…too late to pull the plug now! The family has booked a fast-paced itinerary and everyone is excited.
It is funny how parents kick into action mode and intuitively work to make foolproof plans. Here is a list of things I provided for the success of this trip without me:
1. Call the airlines and ask for a note on their flight files (when I called the airlines the clerk said I really should sign up for the One-person One Fare Program, which I did but not in time for this trip)
2. Pack clothes and shoes (making sure, of course, that the faded shrunken shirt with multiple grease stains didn’t make it!)
3. Pack all toiletries (this way they can’t say, “I didn’t have a toothbrush or deodorant to use for two weeks!”)
4. Pack snacks for the trip
5. Discuss assorted entertainment for travelling 8 hours
6. Write and print comprehensive step by step instructions for each child to follow from departure to arrival gate (making sure it is only one page)
7. Write a one page note to the flight staff explaining the possible challenges
8. *Escort them to the departure gate (they departed from Abbotsford which was a quieter friendlier airport)
* As I was leaving wiping those goodbye tears from my eyes, a woman stood and spoke to me before entering the line up to board the plane. It turned out that this same woman was seated near the children in the plane and watched over them. Upon arrival at Edmonton airport, she walked them to the next gate where they were to board the final flight to Toronto. I am thankful for the small blessing that come to me when I am in need.
In my eyes I see my children differently. I do everything I can to prepare my children, who are now members of the youth population. They face the world of systematic challenges that presents itself to youth at there age. I can’t help but wonder at times, is it possible that I hinder their ability to problem solve in situations, for it is many a time I hear, “What should I do? I don’t know what to do!” I say, “Refer to the list, use your own head think it through and stop counting on my old brain…… yours is newer…!”
Children, like parents, come in many different dispositions and capabilities. So raising children is a challenge for all, for it requires you to seriously look at what you believe in. By dissecting, you have the ability to explain or teach them a model way of life.
Love, hope, respect and freedom give my family the wings to fly. They really were okay…what was I worried about?
Showing posts with label LOVE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LOVE. Show all posts
Monday, 10 October 2011
Realizing a Potential and supporting it with Love.
Aleesa and the Spirit Bear Project
About three years ago, Shirley Yamashita-Paterson found herself unsure about how to best support her daughter Aleesa. Shirley describes Aleesa as an artist and writer. She is someone who is passionate about animals and very serious about language. Shirley had accessed therapy services for Aleesa when she was first diagnosed with autism, but felt that socialization was the missing piece needed for her daughter. She was very concerned about Aleesa's low self-esteem. Aleesa was timid, always walked with her head down and showed no interest in her personal appearance or cleanliness. Shirley believed Aleesa needed a confidence booster in her life.
Shirley began talking with a family friend, Sonya Paterson (no relation). Sonya had her own Youth Leadership organization (Leaders Now BC), was a School Trustee at the time, and she was doing some amazing work for youth. Sonya, who knew Aleesa quite well, said, "I think Aleesa needs some kind of campaign to help her fight for the rights of animals." Aleesa had never found a place within her peer group and Shirley thought that Aleesa might feel good about herself if she had a project she could lead and engage the participation of others.
Sonya read an article in the paper about the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) call-out to the public in their search for a mascot for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The idea of the Spirit Bear Project was born. Aleesa, a Grade 7 student at the time, drew a picture of a Spirit Bear and submitted it to VANOC asking them to choose the Spirit Bear, an endangered species whose numbers are dwindling because of the clear cutting of forests.
Along with her mentor Sonya, Aleesa set a goal to gather 1000 letters of support for the Spirit Bear to be chosen as the mascot for the Olympics.
Aleesa's school rallied behind her. To work with her on this project she chose school peers who were passionate about animals, nature and ecology and who would work with her outside of school. They attended rallies, like the End Poverty rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Aleesa collected more signed letters of support.
When someone notified Simon Jackson, an environmental advocate and founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition, that Aleesa was leading the Spirit Bear Project he felt that Aleesa had come along at the right time. He had been feeling quite low and alone; his own lobbying efforts for saving the Spirit Bear's habitat had not been going well. Simon contacted Aleesa and Sonya and he said "Yes" when they asked if he would consider speaking at their local theatre and at Aleesa's school. The media took photos of Aleesa with Simon and he signed one of Aleesa's letters to VANOC. Aleesa also met Robert Bateman, the well-known artist and naturalist. She was able to get more letters signed and even advice from other well-known people, including Dr. Temple Grandin, the world-famous animal scientist and autism self-advocate. Temple gave Aleesa pointers on how to proceed with her campaign and encouraged her to work hard and stay focused.
Shirley remembered Sonya's words in the early stages of planning the Spirit Bear campaign. Sonya had predicted, "This campaign will be all encompassing," and it proved to be VERY true. During the nine months of their Campaign, several reporters interviewed Aleesa and her team. They had regular contact with CTV Olympic news reporter Mike Killeen. The media took many photographs. Aleesa made two trips to VANOC to deliver her 700 letters.
Shirley says that Aleesa would not be the person she is now without the experiences of the Spirit Bear Project. It was a pivotal point in her life and in the lives of others. Simon Jackson had his drive renewed because of Aleesa's efforts. Aleesa's peers participated in exciting activities that they would not have experienced without their involvement with Aleesa, like attending a private VANOC Halloween party and having their photos taken holding the Olympic torch. Shirley feels that she learned more about doing research, involvement with the media, how to think in different ways and how to be a true advocate.
Aleesa's relationships in community and with her peers have deepened. She now has a group of people who are always watching out for her, making sure she is safe. Aleesa has gone from being a girl who always looked down and wouldn't speak, to a local celebrity who has delivered public speeches and experienced the regular attention of the media. She became thoughtful about appearing clean and presentable. Most recently, Aleesa has had some challenges at school for being too outspoken; something her mother, Shirley, quietly celebrates.
About three years ago, Shirley Yamashita-Paterson found herself unsure about how to best support her daughter Aleesa. Shirley describes Aleesa as an artist and writer. She is someone who is passionate about animals and very serious about language. Shirley had accessed therapy services for Aleesa when she was first diagnosed with autism, but felt that socialization was the missing piece needed for her daughter. She was very concerned about Aleesa's low self-esteem. Aleesa was timid, always walked with her head down and showed no interest in her personal appearance or cleanliness. Shirley believed Aleesa needed a confidence booster in her life.
Shirley began talking with a family friend, Sonya Paterson (no relation). Sonya had her own Youth Leadership organization (Leaders Now BC), was a School Trustee at the time, and she was doing some amazing work for youth. Sonya, who knew Aleesa quite well, said, "I think Aleesa needs some kind of campaign to help her fight for the rights of animals." Aleesa had never found a place within her peer group and Shirley thought that Aleesa might feel good about herself if she had a project she could lead and engage the participation of others.
Sonya read an article in the paper about the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) call-out to the public in their search for a mascot for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The idea of the Spirit Bear Project was born. Aleesa, a Grade 7 student at the time, drew a picture of a Spirit Bear and submitted it to VANOC asking them to choose the Spirit Bear, an endangered species whose numbers are dwindling because of the clear cutting of forests.
Along with her mentor Sonya, Aleesa set a goal to gather 1000 letters of support for the Spirit Bear to be chosen as the mascot for the Olympics.
Aleesa's school rallied behind her. To work with her on this project she chose school peers who were passionate about animals, nature and ecology and who would work with her outside of school. They attended rallies, like the End Poverty rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Aleesa collected more signed letters of support.
When someone notified Simon Jackson, an environmental advocate and founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition, that Aleesa was leading the Spirit Bear Project he felt that Aleesa had come along at the right time. He had been feeling quite low and alone; his own lobbying efforts for saving the Spirit Bear's habitat had not been going well. Simon contacted Aleesa and Sonya and he said "Yes" when they asked if he would consider speaking at their local theatre and at Aleesa's school. The media took photos of Aleesa with Simon and he signed one of Aleesa's letters to VANOC. Aleesa also met Robert Bateman, the well-known artist and naturalist. She was able to get more letters signed and even advice from other well-known people, including Dr. Temple Grandin, the world-famous animal scientist and autism self-advocate. Temple gave Aleesa pointers on how to proceed with her campaign and encouraged her to work hard and stay focused.
Shirley remembered Sonya's words in the early stages of planning the Spirit Bear campaign. Sonya had predicted, "This campaign will be all encompassing," and it proved to be VERY true. During the nine months of their Campaign, several reporters interviewed Aleesa and her team. They had regular contact with CTV Olympic news reporter Mike Killeen. The media took many photographs. Aleesa made two trips to VANOC to deliver her 700 letters.
Shirley says that Aleesa would not be the person she is now without the experiences of the Spirit Bear Project. It was a pivotal point in her life and in the lives of others. Simon Jackson had his drive renewed because of Aleesa's efforts. Aleesa's peers participated in exciting activities that they would not have experienced without their involvement with Aleesa, like attending a private VANOC Halloween party and having their photos taken holding the Olympic torch. Shirley feels that she learned more about doing research, involvement with the media, how to think in different ways and how to be a true advocate.
Aleesa's relationships in community and with her peers have deepened. She now has a group of people who are always watching out for her, making sure she is safe. Aleesa has gone from being a girl who always looked down and wouldn't speak, to a local celebrity who has delivered public speeches and experienced the regular attention of the media. She became thoughtful about appearing clean and presentable. Most recently, Aleesa has had some challenges at school for being too outspoken; something her mother, Shirley, quietly celebrates.
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