Today is the first day

      "Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future but today is a gift.  That's why it's called the present."
                                                                                         - Bil Keane


     Today.  It's been a very good day by just about anyone's standards.  My family woke up and got ready for my daughter's birthday party at the local movie theatre.  Breakfast was eaten, teeth were brushed, warm coats and gloves were donned.  Off we went to the movies, cupcakes in tow.  We watched the movie with my daughter's friends, had pizza and cupcakes afterwards in the party room and opened presents. 

     If it was only that simple. But my family is not a simple family. That little girl having a birthday party can't speak.  She can't walk down stairs alone.  She needs constant supervision and care.  My daughter, Kelly, has an ultra rare genetic disorder.  PACS1. 

      Before I continue, let me introduce you quickly to my family.  There is my husband, Lief, myself and my two beautiful little girls, Sabrina and Kelly, 11 year old twins!  We have a dog named Eric and a hamster named Brady.  Pretty typical family.  And that is my goal.  To have a happy, simple life.  To raise our children, give them a good education, and a high level of self esteem.   Of course, there is much more to tell about my family and that is what I hope to share with you.  I hope to share our daily lives, with the all the silliness, craziness and difficulties that we face each day.  I hope that as you follow our journey through each day, you get a feeling for a happy family.

     So back to the party.  Kelly had invited four friends.  I selected two friends from her class that I thought would be comfortable with strangers outside of her classroom.  Two little boys that have always shown smiles and hugs to me when I would drop Kelly off at school.  Plus two other girls, handicapped girls, whom we've met through having an inaccurate diagnosis for Kelly for over 6 years.  (That's a story for another day.)   A couple of the children attending could say a word or two, a couple would be in wheelchairs, my daughter included.  All parents were required to stay.  We went to a sensory movie show, that would have less previews, brighter lights and lower sound.  Children attending may yell, cry or dance.  Noise would not be hushed and no dirty looks would be given.  All went well during the movie.  SpongeBob was well received by children and adults alike.

     There were no party games, there were no blowing out of candles as Kelly can't blow.  We did sing happy birthday and gave out goody bags, carefully chosen so the items inside would not be dangerous to those children attending, ages 10 through 18.  The party was calm and pleasant,  those who could eat had pizza.  Two children attending had feeding tubes, but most could eat by mouth. One child fell asleep but that was ok. ( I was actually kind of jealous!) 

     Today.  There were no seizures, no meltdowns, no calls to 911!  No one had a tantrum, no one had major behavioral issues.   It had been a good day by a special needs family standards. 

     It may have been my daughter's birthday party, but today was a gift given to me!