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Stories From Camp
Autism…Sitting in Silence A poem by Lindsay McDaniel whose brother attends Handi Kids
My brother is a snowstorm.
Silently sitting.
Stirring as morning draws near.
Glowing with the rise of sun.
Silent, day in and day out.
Growing larger and stronger by the second.
Making everyone smile with this presence.
Sometimes like a whirlwind of rage.
Frustration overcomes him when he cannot tell his feelings.
An occasional whisper will seep through the cracks,
making everyone listen closely.
As night approaches the rage subsides and erupts,
booming and clashing along the way.
With a nervous grip, eventually coming to a steady flow,
without a stir or rage.
Silently sitting.
A Special Parent’s Letter: Chris’ Story
To Jane Pariseau, Therapeutic Riding Director
Dear Jane,
Thank you so much for a wonderful day. Chris has had the opportunity to be a participant in many Special Olympic events at Handi Kids. Last year he did not make the qualifications to attend, so I cannot comment on last year’s events as a basis. However, this event compared to the many others that we have attended as a family was the best that we have ever been a part of. From registration, to the many SOMA staff, to the availability of your coaches/volunteers, I have to say it was a wonderful time. The awards ceremony was different than what I have experienced in the past at Handi Kids, and mirrored that of what Chris experiences in the spring for track and field.
Chris' instructor was awesome. She went out of her way to seek him out, to instruct him - beforehand - on what he would be doing. He felt safe and secure with her by his side. And the best part - she and the volunteers where present when the awards were handed out. That was the best. They stayed full-circle to cheer him on, to congratulate him, and that is what I appreciate the most.
I cannot believe that he has become an independent rider. His self-esteem is just flowing with pride. That is due to you, your staff, and the volunteers. Thank you for a wonderful day.
Meet my friend David
He’s the man and yes, he’s a Boston Red Sox fan. I met David four years ago when he was 9 and I was 18. At first it was difficult working with him, but then I was intrigued by his personality and started to understand him. When he would act out, I would talk to him about his behavior, rather than lecturing or disciplining him.
I would redirect his attention and gradually he was smiling, laughing and getting along better with others. One day he caught 13 fish and over the summer he conquered his fear of horses to become a pretty good rider. David shared things about himself as I became his coach, big brother, mentor and most importantly, his friend.
It’s an awesome responsibility to have a kid like David count on you to be there. .
I’ve learned so much from him and because of David and my experiences as a counselor at Handi Kids, I am at Framingham State. I plan to work with children with disabilities and I thank David for his trust in me
Danny, a Handi Kids Counselor
"My son David was diagnosed with PDD, Bipolar Illness, ADD and learning disabilities at the age of 10. Life was a nightmare and David was repeatedly removed from schools and his first experience with Handi Kids. Previous to the summer of 2005, I met with Mary Gallant and together we set up a dynamic, interactive program that allowed the Handi Kids staff to see the engaging, funny side of David. He responded positively, bonded with Dan and miraculously completed not one, not two, but three sessions of camp. The change in David is incredible. His life has changed and I thank Handi Kids for making it happen."
David’s Mother
"Last summer at Handi Kids was the best! I rode Gypsy every day. I can’t wait to go back."
