19 December 2011

I was raised by a mother that showed me unconditional love. I had to love my little sister, Alice, no matter what. My mother taught me if I did not love my sister no one else would. Because of my mother's love and protective nature for both me and my sister.  

I learned to also protect my sister and stand up for her. My autistic and developmentally delayed sister can not defend herself when she is being picked on. As I was growing up I learned that it was best to unite with my mother to fight for my sister and that is the best way to support my sister and mother. My mother taught me about forgiveness. As a kid I learned that my sister, Alice, can not help be the way she is. So I had to forgive her for the wrongs that she does to me.

All my mother and I can do is to love her unconditionally. I belive along with my mother that is the best medicine for any child with special needs is genuine love, compassion and time.  My sister even though she is non verbal does cherish the time my mother and I  spend with her as a family.

- Angela Lo

29 September 2011

"Come on Vincent," I told him. "Come on!" He only went to the bike but stood there and looked back at me. "Well," I said to myself, "What now?" 

I looked at Vincent. Nice looking kid. But I do not know how to handle a six-year-old autistic kid. In fact, I do not know how to handle any autistic person! I mean, he has not talked for more than half of his life! But I need to stay calm because he is only my little brother. Oh! Why me!

 "All right Vincent," I said, "You are going to learn how to ride a bike. Do you understand?" Vincent was looking at other objects than at me. I was not even sure if he was listening. 

"Stay," I called out to him. "Stay right there while I get my bike. O.K.?" 

He nodded as a response. "O.K. Vincent," I said as I returned.  

I started to ride it around him. 

"Look Vincent," I said to him, "Look at how I ride my bike. See, I pedal and look forward. 

"Now, you try." 

Stopping in front of him, I took him back on his bike.

"Vincent, pick up the bike and sit on it." He just stood there again. This was not working.  Even since dad took off the training wheels, he has lost interest in riding the bikes. I picked up the bike and convinced him to sit and hold onto the bike by himself. 

So far so good. I .started to push him a little to have a head start. But he began tilting after a few feet. I could see that he was really trying hard. 

I looked at the sky as I was teaching Vincent. The clouds darkened and it began to sprinkle. We both ignored the yells of my grandma telling us to get in the house. But I kept on giving pushes of confidence and I could see that he was really getting there. 

Then all of the sudden, Vincent started to ride circles around me! After the many injuries that he had, his work was worth it! I ran up to him and hugged him. This was a great feeling. We both walked home when we were putting back our bikes. And here he is today, still riding bikes and still the same good kid.

- Jackie Chow

29 September 2011

My mother is special in many different ways.  I have selected my mother as my strongest impact on my life because my mother has been a role model and emotional supporter to my brother and me.  She will always ensure that I am healthy and active.  

When we were young, she helped us with homework, played games, drove us to piano lessons, and spent time with us at the park, beaches, and other places.  My mother has given me emotional support and always listens to what we said.  She has taught me not to worry about what others think or say about us as long as we are doing the right thing.  

She also teaches us to stand up for what we believe in no matter what the situation is.  She has provided us with everything we need to succeed in our school and daily life.  She has made sure we have a warm meal to eat for those long days at school.  She has given us a warm place to sleep.  

On Sundays, my mother takes us to church to attend Sunday school.  My brother, who is autistic, attended the special Sunday school class and he learned many songs from the class.  From these songs, my brother and I learned to play the piano. My mother would sing, read to my brother.  My brother is nonverbal and my mother would find the appropriate device for him so he can communicate with family and friends.  

I appreciate everything my mother has done for our family.

- Jason Shi