by Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen
Member since:
August 5, 2006

Do You Believe In Miracles?

January 10, 2009 02:09 PM EST
views: 158 | comments: 46

 

Mirror, mirror on the ball

What's the best Christmas gift of all?

I believe in miracles and my Christmas gift from my grandson Tim is evidence of that. Tim is autistic.

When he was a small child we didn't know if he would ever be able to communicate. He started school with other children his age and it was really tough the first few years. The school staff, teachers, administration, and aides had no training in working with an autistic. My son and his wife worked with the Area Education Agency in determining guidelines for Tim's education. Gradually the school staff developed programs including his needs. The other kids kind of adopted Tim as their "special" classmate and took him under their collective wings.

Tim is now 18 years old and has graduated from high school, but when he was little there was not much out there about autism. He went through school as a mainstreamed student with his parents meeting every quarter or oftener with the staff to set new goals for him. One of the goals was to help others in the school know more about autism. Another was to keep him mainstreamed so that he wasn't considered dumb. That is a harsh term but many autistic children have this label put on them. Actually their level of intelligence is higher than normal but they are not able to process thoughts in the same way as other children. Tim for instance was a whiz at math and geography. Other kids wanted his help. This kept him in a situation where he was always relating to the kids his age. He sang in the school chorus and was in stage productions. He did jobs outside of school like stocking shelves at a grocery store and working in the local library shelving books.

Since graduating Tim has been attending a CDC program in the town where he lives. This is teaching him skills needed for independent living and getting along out in the world. He is learning more social skills at the same time that he is learning independence from his home life.

What might you ask is the miracle? Well, Tim's life if a miracle and what he has been able to achieve.

This year I received what was my best Christmas gift of all from Tim. He made me a beautiful mosaic gazing ball in shades of rose, aqua, lavender and clear mirror.

His work is meticulous and there is not a spot of glue or grout on any of the mosaic tiles. I was so pleased with it that I sat with him and told him it was my best gift. He told me how he made it.

 

Everyone of the 22 people at our Christmas celebration held the gazing ball and remarked on it's beauty. He even got several orders to make more. He had made three for Christmas gifts at his CDC site. Each grandma and a great grandma received this special gift.

Yes, Tim is surely a miracle and the gazing ball he made for me will always be a reminder of that.

 
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Comments: 46

donna h. Jan 10, 2009, 2:11pm EST
That ball is very nice
Elaine S. Jan 10, 2009, 2:12pm EST
It's Beautiful Sadie

Wonderful story about your Miracle,I can see why you think he is one.
Janet Somewhere Up On The Mount Jan 10, 2009, 2:13pm EST
It's a beautiful gift. And so special to you is the best part.
I couldn't make one.
I DO believe in miracles.
Have a nice day now.
Sheila J. Jan 10, 2009, 2:21pm EST
What a positively beautiful gift and an inspiring story. I work at a high school and have had several autistic kis mainstreamed in my classroom. They are truly amazing individuals and it has been a great privilege for me to get to know them. Thanks so much for sharing your story and this information about autism.
Rob Appell Jan 10, 2009, 2:21pm EST
Never underestimate the power of an autistic child. They can do many wonderful things...many times, even better than children who don't suffer their problem. We have a young man here in Rochester, New York who has made worldwide headlines despite his autism. He goes by the name of J-Mac. He was manager of his high school basketball team. During his senior year, in the final game of the season, the coach had him suit up and put him in the game, though he wasn't a player. He ended up scoring like 27 points within three minutes including several three point baskets. His team won not only that game, but the overall championship. The entire gymnasium, home team and visitors, went hysterical over his accomplishment. He got to meet the president and several NBA stars. A book is being written about him and a movie is already in the process of being filmed to chronicle his life and this awesome feat on the court. He graduated and is quite happy now working in the bakery department of a Rochester-based supermarket chain. Anything is possible when someone is given the opportunity.
Teresa A. Jan 10, 2009, 2:26pm EST
That is just beautiful and something to cherish forever. What a great story, thank you .
Candy S. Jan 10, 2009, 2:28pm EST
It is so pretty. what a wonderful gift.
Vic Needs Coffee Jan 10, 2009, 2:29pm EST
That is so wonderful.
Marsha S. Jan 10, 2009, 2:30pm EST
that is very sweet and very pretty too!
Janet "Jax" B. Jan 10, 2009, 2:32pm EST
It's beautiful Audrey...Tim did a great job.
Betty W. Jan 10, 2009, 2:33pm EST
The ball is lovely! He really did an awesome job on it.

Yes, yes I do believe. My nephew has autism, and sometimes he can really amaze us! They said he would never talk, never be able to communicate. They were wrong. He might respond when you talk to him, or not. But most of the time he says Yes or no when you ask him a question. And he sings when he thinks no one is listening. He writes, he colors and draws. At Christmas he was here, and he brought my talking Eeyore to me. He asked me if he could have it, he said, "Tyler take? I keep?" and I let him take it home. He'll be 16 soon, and his accomplishments are great. His teacher is awesome, I get to work with him in class sometimes. There is so much we don't know about autism, and so much we may never know. But I strongly believe in miracles, not just for that reason.
Donna S. Jan 10, 2009, 2:36pm EST
OMG I am in tears as I read this. He is certainly a special young man and that ball is beautiful. I have several mosaic pieces in my home and let me say-the piece he made for you is just as nice (if not nicer) than the ones I paid for. I hope he continues to do such great work, he could certainly make some money with his talent. Congrats to you for having such an amazing young man in your life.
Ariel Storm Jan 10, 2009, 2:52pm EST
An inspiring story, and something beautiful to cherish. Thank you so much for sharing the story of this wonderful young man with us.
John S. (arizona) Jan 10, 2009, 2:55pm EST
What a wonderful story. Yes, I believe in miracles...
Donna Besso Jan 10, 2009, 2:57pm EST
WOW! is all I can say about the beautiful gazing ball he made. It doesn't surprize me though as Autistic people are very creative and meticulous as evident in his work. Such a heartwarming, beautiful story. Can I order a ball?
Myria H. Jan 10, 2009, 3:05pm EST
Never underestimate a child. Your grandson is truly a miracle and the ball is beautiful.
MrsRoad Runner Jan 10, 2009, 3:18pm EST
OMG that is beautiful!
My child who has a form of autism has a job in the town over stocking shelves when he is old enough the manager said, woo hoo! He straightens up the products on the shelf when ever we go in there already.
Your grandson is a inspiration!
Please tell him this and great job from a mother on the web ;0)
Cristina S. Jan 10, 2009, 3:46pm EST
That is so beautiful!
lynn a. Jan 10, 2009, 4:23pm EST
Sadie, this is a wonderful story of hope. My daughter has a friend who has 2 autistic children and they are still young and times are so difficult for them. I'm going to copy this off and show it to him. It may help. There has to be hope. I think your grandson could make those balls and make some money. It's very impressive. It sounds that his parents really had some sense of how to help him achieve, and that it has worked. Bless them.
Lesli B. Jan 10, 2009, 4:27pm EST
What a wonderful gift. Autism can be difficult. However the difficulties can be overcome so that everyone can make it, so long as they have the right people in their corner. I would say Tim definitely did.
Vincent di Fondi Jan 10, 2009, 4:46pm EST
Audrey, you are a blessed and the gazing ball was the best gift of all, I'm sure. It looks like the beginning a home business for time. Later
Grems 'gremlin' Jan 10, 2009, 7:01pm EST
What a great success story of a fine young man. I think of him often as I work with the children I know.
Larry H. Jan 10, 2009, 8:15pm EST
Beautiful ball thanks for sharing..
Lin B. Jan 10, 2009, 8:30pm EST
It's Beautiful Sadie
Karen M. Jan 10, 2009, 9:12pm EST
That is beautiful...
Marilyn M. Jan 11, 2009, 1:28am EST
Yes, indeed, I believe in miracles. What an awesome story.
Donna T. Jan 11, 2009, 1:37am EST
It's a beautiful ball! He's a handsome guy too. He looks like you!
Col. George W. Jan 11, 2009, 10:31am EST
That ball is something else. I first wondered what was inside of it. It looks as though he covered a basketball. Guess that is the mechanic or something in me. He was lucky to have the other kids support him so well. My experience with kids that are "different" is that the others pick on them. A school that will learn to teach and understand is also a miricle. His life seems to be full of miricles so it figures he himself would be one.
Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen Jan 11, 2009, 12:15pm EST
There is an old bowling ball inside. It is quite heavy so isn't going to blow away when outdoors this summer.
Donald M. Jan 14, 2009, 1:32pm EST
Many great minds in the past had special problems and talents. You have worked hard with probably a lot of loving patience. As you said, they are most of the time smarter than we are, just cannnot get the message to us. Their ability to think is so much higher than ours. I do understand I have a son with Tourette Syndrom. It is different but the same. Most of the worlds great composers had this. They too cannot get down to our level. During childhood there was no problem. So smart he won every award there was. But alsince he didnt play sports or in band. No schlorship. That stinks. He had 104 average.
The Football players all got one. Band, basketball too. But intelligence didnt seem to count in school.
Trish A. Jan 15, 2009, 5:12pm EST
Thank you for sharing this inspirational story. The gift is gorgeous and it seems like he may have a career in making these.
Andrea (Ms. Conservative) L. Jan 15, 2009, 6:35pm EST
Conner and Caeser, and their nieces, Cookie and Dixie give you four paws up!

God Bless!
Phyllis R. Jan 17, 2009, 11:26pm EST
Omgosh Sadie....that is a beautiful gazing ball. Tim certainly did a wonderful job on that!!

A beautiful story too Sadie....and yes I certainly do believe in miracles!
Ratan . Jan 18, 2009, 10:40pm EST
Micheal Phelps is too an autistic. If he can create history why can't TIm?!

My best wishes to you and Tim. And the ball is lovely. I'd like to have one. :-)
Elsie Duggan Jan 19, 2009, 12:27am EST
What a wonderful gift this is Audrey, from a miracle child indeed. The thoughtfulnes and the detailed work in it will make it something you will treasure forever, so happy for you and him and his parents.
Mrslisae Photography E. Jan 19, 2009, 12:12pm EST
This is a lovely story. He did an amazing job on that ball. I can see why you're so proud of him and his works. Thanks for the friend invite. I look forward to reading more of your writing.
DIANE D. Jan 21, 2009, 8:58am EST
Yes, I do~ Thanks, Sadie~
Janet Somewhere Up On The Mount Jan 24, 2009, 2:06pm EST
I think the plane going down in NY the other day was a mircle in itself. Everyone made it off safe.
Thanks Again for sharing this.
Jan R. Jan 26, 2009, 7:46pm EST
Wow, it's beautiful.
Janie E. Jan 28, 2009, 11:19pm EST
That is simply gorgeous!!!! You are very blessed!!!!
melinda s Feb 9, 2009, 12:04am EST
This was a beautiful post! I myself have a ten year old son with autism. ..They have many many gifts, don't they. I can't even put into the words the (hard earned) lessons my son has taught me.
Beth G. Feb 9, 2009, 8:33pm EST
Wow your grandson is increbily talented! Good for him!
Cindy P. Feb 10, 2009, 9:30am EST
What a beautiful gift. I love it.
*LORA* M. Apr 19, 2009, 10:17am EDT
yes I do. God can do anything
Marie L. May 7, 2009, 7:01pm EDT
What a wonderful gift -- it's gorgeous!

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